Scottie Thompson relishes his new role as father to baby boy Aster.
The Barangay Ginebra top gun, winner of seven Philippine Basketball Association titles on top of a Most Valuable Player award, swears the birth of his and wife Jinky’s son has been a life-changing moment.
The eight-year pro out of University of Perpetual Help even declares that Aster’s birth has made him even more motivated to become a better player on and off the court.
“I’m very excited. I have a new born baby, so this is definitely my biggest motivation,” Thompson told Daily Tribune.
The blessing came during the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.
While his fellow Gilas members went on to complete the redemption tour, Thompson opted to stay behind.
But Thompson has apparently made up for his long absence as he got back wearing the Gilas Pilipinas jersey in preparation for the tough grind at the Inspire Academy in Laguna.
Before reverting to his familiar role as an athlete, Thompson had to do daddy duties, something he enjoyed doing.
“Of course, it’s a given that I lacked sleep as I had to wake up in the wee hours and take care of his needs. I just have to manage my time. Even though we have a nanny to help us out, you want to be the one who’s doing it and being hands-on,” he said.
“It’s a great feeling. I do daddy chores now, washing his butt, changing diapers, cleaning the baby bottles and preparing his milk. I also do what his mom does.”
As he prepared to report for camp with Gilas, Thompson made sure her wife would recover so she could attend to their son’s daily needs.
“I am taking this new chapter (of my life) as a motivation. I just want my son to see me in the future and watch me play in our games. I want him to be proud of me. We’ll never know. He might follow in my footsteps by becoming a basketball player,” Thompson said.
There is also one thing Thomspon wants.
“I’m praying for him to become healthy until he grows up. I want him to be God-fearing.”
