Barangay Ginebra star Scottie Thompson hopes he would be able to convince the players of current Palarong Pambansa secondary boys champion Davao Region to suit up for his alma mater, the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta.

Thompson, who suited up for Davao Region in the 2010 Palaro in Tarlac, said he wants to beef up the Altas’ roster with the best players from current Palaro champions.

The Davao Region made history over the weekend at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena in Laoag City by beating Western Visayas, 67-51, for its first-ever Palaro cage title.

“I know it’s going to be tough to recruit the best high school players,” said Thompson, who was teammates with Davao Region head coach Jess Evangelio in the 2010 Palaro.

“I hope we can get players there, especially since they’re in our region. I want to help them come here to Manila and hopefully become one of the future players for Philippine basketball.”

Thompson is a testament to how the Palaro can change their careers.

After the 2010 Palaro, Thompson was recruited by Perpetual and played in the National Collegiate Athletic Association where he was named the Most Improved Player, Most Valuable Player (MVP), and a three-time Mythical Team member.

Thompson then took his skills to the Philippine Basketball Association where he was drafted fifth overall by Ginebra in 2015 and went on to win seven titles and an MVP plum in 2021.

Thompson, now one of the household names in Philippine basketball, remains grateful to the Palaro for giving him an avenue to showcase his talents. Ivan Suing

“That was the turning point of my career. If it wasn’t for the Palarong Pambansa, I wouldn’t be here in Manila and in Perpetual,” Thompson said.

“The Palarong Pambansa was a big deal back then and even today it gives exposure to the teams,” said Thompson, who has a role in the selection process of the school’s basketball squad.