Barangay Ginebra San Miguel has shifted its attention to a familiar challenge: a semifinal rematch against defending champions San Miguel Beermen.
In an exclusive interview with Abante Sports Now, Scottie Thompson expressed confidence that the Gin Kings are ready to take on the Beermen even without Jamie Malonzo, one of Ginebra’s top scorers in the previous conference.
The upcoming series revisits last conference’s semifinals, where San Miguel outlasted Ginebra in a decisive Game 7, 100–93, in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
Despite Malonzo’s absence this time around, Thompson believes the Gin Kings have enough depth to compete, pointing to teammates such as Sonny Estil and Norbert Torres as players capable of stepping into bigger roles.
“We want to thank God first for a miracle win tonight,” Thompson said. “We’ll try to be ready for the semis. Jamie was there last time, but I think the guys who have stepped up are capable enough. We’ll help each other and play good basketball.”
Thompson added that Ginebra continues to embrace a “next man up” mentality, emphasizing collective responsibility as they prepare for another high-stakes playoff series.
“That’s our team it’s next man up,” Thompson said. “I’m proud of those guys because they’re taking the challenge. That’s our mantra.” (JNV)
The post Thompson confident Ginebra can handle San Miguel without Malonzo first appeared on Fastbreak.
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