SCOTTIE Thompson, Jio Jalalon and Baser Amer looked up to fellow Mindanaoans PJ Simon and Cyrus Baguio, and took their example on the way to carving their own niches in pro basketball.
"Sila talaga 'yung inspiration namin kasi pareho namin taga Mindanao," said Thompson during the Tiebreaker Vodcasts' The Prospects Pod Friday.
They had their collegiate coaches to thank for in improving and enhancing their playing skills, but insisted the likes of Simon and Baguio provided the inspiration in setting career paths to follow.
Simon is from Makilala, Cotabato who played high school ball with Notre Dame Makilala before moving to University of Mindanao in college.
Baguio, on the other hand, is a native of Iligan City who played for Southwestern U in Cebu in secondary basketball before bringing his stuff to the UST Tigers.
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And like Simon and Baguio, Thompson, Jalalon and Amer are proud sons of the south who found their way to the Big City with their basketball skills.
Not only did they make the pro stage but have had their turns to don the national jersey.
A proud, memorable moment for the three of them were being together in the Philippine team that successfully defended the crown in the 2007 SEA Games in Singapore.
"Muntik na tayo don," said Amer, recalling tough wins in that Phl squad composed of Gilas cadets with Marcus Douthit as the lone senior player.
Fierce rivals in the NCAA, they later brought their tough matchups to the pros.
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"Tatlong taon sunod-sunod na talo kami kala Baser sa Final Four," said Thompson beaming as Jalalon reminded Amer he's a four-time NCAA champ but has yet to win a title as a pro.
Of course, Thompson has had winning moments with Barangay Ginebra while Jalalon has got to the top with the Magnolia Hotshots.
As out-of-towners in Manila, all three experienced exhilarating high on rare opportunities to play in their home provinces.
"Nasa eroplano pa lang excited na ako," said Jalalon, recalling the 2017 All-Star Game at the Xavier U Gym in his home city in Cagayan de Oro.
"Ang sarap maglaro sa harap ng pamilya mo at mga kababayan mo. Minsan lang mangyari yon," said Thompson, from Davao del Sur.
Amer is also from Davao. He had a grand time in performing well and winning All-Star MVP honors Digos City in 2018. (SB)
