Scottie Thompson’s Inclusion in the PBA 50 Greatest: Does He Deserve the Hate?
The PBA’s announcement of its 50 Greatest Players list for its golden anniversary sparked debate among fans and analysts. One of the most criticized inclusions? Scottie Thompson.
Many believe that Thompson’s spot could have gone to other PBA legends who have long been retired and accomplished more over a longer career. But does he really deserve the amount of criticism he’s receiving?
MVP Standard: A Clear and Fair Selection Criteria
Former PBA Commissioner Sonny Barrios clarified that the selection committee followed an established rule:
All former PBA MVPs are automatically included in the Greatest Players list.
This was the same process applied in past iterations of the list, ensuring that all MVPs get due recognition. Because Thompson won the 2021 MVP, his inclusion was automatic, just like June Mar Fajardo, who has eight MVPs to his name.
If fans and analysts have an issue with Thompson being in the list, then the complaint should be directed at the selection criteria itself, not Thompson.
Scottie’s Resume Speaks for Itself
While some believe Thompson is still too young for this honor, his impact in the PBA is undeniable:
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2021 PBA MVP
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7x PBA Champion
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3x PBA Finals MVP
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Multiple-time All-Star and Best Player of the Conference winner
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Key member of Gilas Pilipinas
Beyond the numbers, Thompson has changed the way the game is played, especially in his role as a highly versatile rebounding guard, often drawing comparisons to NBA stars like Russell Westbrook.
San Miguel & Ginebra Bias?
Another source of controversy is that both Thompson and Fajardo play for SMC teams (Ginebra and San Miguel, respectively). Some critics believe this shows favoritism towards players from the SMC camp, especially since many former MVPs from the past have yet to make the list.
However, it would be unfair to punish Thompson for playing for a powerhouse team. He has still performed at an elite level regardless of his team’s resources, and his success is well-earned.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Give Scottie His Flowers
Scottie Thompson’s inclusion in the PBA 50 Greatest Players list may be controversial, but it’s not undeserved. The selection committee simply followed an existing standard, and his MVP, championships, and game-changing impact validate his spot.
Yes, there are other deserving legends, but that doesn’t mean Thompson should be disrespected for earning his place. Instead of nitpicking, perhaps it’s time to acknowledge that Scottie Thompson is already a PBA great, and his story isn’t even finished yet.
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