MANILA, Philippines — Scottie Thompson’s return for Ginebra in the PBA Philippine Cup was anticipated by the Gin King faithful, but it was another guard who shined under the spotlight at the Philsports Arena on Saturday.
Ralph Cu came up big for the Gin Kings, who improved to 4-3 in the All-Filipino Conference, with a conference-high 14.
The rookie sensation’s superb performance caught the attention of a returning Thompson, who finished with just four points but shared the ball in succession with eight assists and seven rebounds.
READ: PBA: Ralph Cu, little-known rookie, is worth it for Ginebra
“Ralph really brings something different. He’s a very intelligent player, he manages the system. He’s important to us,” Thompson said in Filipino after their 105-86 win over Blackwater.
“Hopefully its growth continues.” We, as veterinarians, will guide him, especially me because I’m the one who makes the calls in the field.
Although it was a blistering game for the Gin Kings, things weren’t exactly rosy for Cu and his goal effort.
READ: After the passage of Gilas, Ralph Cu and Donald Gumaru strengthen Ginebra’s options
In the first half, the La Salle product barely made a crack at the basket, which was immediately noticed by Thompson.
“I told him earlier when I spoke to him that I see his hard work in training every day. In the first quarter, he was hesitant to shoot, so I told him, “In the second half, since you’re practicing these shots and doing it every day, keep shooting.” After that, I continued looking for it.
The Gilas Pilipinas goalkeeper’s word seemingly lit a fire under Cu as he exploded in the third quarter to help the Gin Kings further rout the Bossing.
Cu hit a huge four triples in the penultimate period alone, helping the Gin Kings end their two losses.
Cu and Ginebra look to continue their momentum on Sunday when they take on Commissioners Cup quarterfinal opponent Northport at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.