Despite being one of the country's most successful basketball players, Scottie Thompson still fulfilled his dream of earning his college degree at the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta.

Thompson, the reigning Most Valuable Player in the Philippine Basketball Association, formally earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Marketing Management on Wednesday at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

Together with 671 new graduates, the 30-year-old Thompson also received the Dr/BGen. Antonio Laperal Tamayo Leadership Plaque for Sports and Athletics from Perpetual president Dr. Anthony Tamayo, vice chairperson Dr. Daisy Moran Tamayo, executive vice president Marjorie Tangog, and Dr. Arnaldo de Guzman during the commencement exercise.

Thompson, who is part of the Gilas Pilipinas pool that is preparing for the FIBA Basketball World Cup that the country will host from 25 August to 10 September, said he worked hard to earn his college degree to set a good example for his son, Aster.

"Earning my college degree is my gift to my son, Aster," Thompson, whose jersey No. 6 was already retired by the school, said in an interview.

Thompson worked his way up before becoming a star for the Altas in the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

He started as a bench player in his rookie season, averaging 6.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 18.3 minutes per game in 2011 before becoming one of the most consistent performers until winning the MVP award in the NCAA Season 90 in 2014.

Now, he is one of the country's brightest basketball stars with six titles for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel – the most popular team in the PBA.