MANILA, Philippines: Clutch run in their veins.
Barangay Ginebra's Scottie Thompson cheered on the sidelines and was proud of his brother Justin Thompson's clutch delivery for Top Flight-Canada in the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) National Finals performance at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, March 24.
In an overtime, the younger Thompson made a crucial basket after outsmarting the Eco Green-Makati's defense and bravely penetrated the paint to score a bucket, 95-93.
His delivery led Canada to be the first-ever global team to earn a championship in NBTC.
Despite scoring only three points in the finals, Justin kept his drive in the dying minutes of the clock.
"My mindset is just go straight to the net since I can't pass it anymore, our opponent was really tight in their defense, and I got it. Maybe it was luck, but thank God we won the championship," he told the press.
"In the first half, I always wanted to attack and lead the offense but I am not scoring any baskets, so what I did was pass the ball."
Before the game started, his older brother had only one reminder to him and did not put any pressure on his shoulders.
"Since we are early here at the venue, my brother and I talked and he reminded me to not lose my confidence."
With his seven-time PBA champion brother around in his championship game, Justin revealed that he also felt a little bit of pressure.
"I was pressured, other PBA players were also there. But I just trusted myself, and I trusted God."
"This win is a confidence booster since the NCAA is nearing already, and I am playing with Perps (University of Perpetual Help System DALTA)."
Scottie, made a time of his life during his collegiate years in NCAA as he was hailed as Most Improved Player, three-time Mythical Five awardee, and Most Valuable Player in 2014.
The Perpetual Altas also retired his No. 6 jersey.
Coming to the centennial year of NCAA, Justin will be also playing in the same team where his older brother made a name for himself.
Justin only had a few words when he was asked about carrying his brother's legacy.
"Trust, to trust the process and trust my teammates. My seniors are also there to guide me in handling the pressure in NCAA."
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