MANILA, Philippines — Scotty Pippen Jr. got a glimpse of the Philippines’ basketball culture during his Manila visit, where he met Barangay Ginebra star Scottie Thompson, who was named after Pippen’s father.
The Memphis Grizzlies guard met Thompson during an NBA-backed event Thursday at SM Megamall, giving Pippen a chance to learn more about the PBA standout’s career.
“Yeah, definitely cool. Cool dude. Super accomplished player,” Pippen said.
“Just hearing all the accolades he has is definitely surreal and crazy to see what he’s done here.”
Pippen also found it amusing that Thompson, a Gilas Pilipinas player, carries his father’s name.
“I think it’s also super crazy that he was named after my dad and we’re both here years later. So I think it was super cool to meet someone like that,” Pippen said.
The NBA guard also looked back on his college days at Vanderbilt, where he played alongside former University of the Philippines center Quentin Millora-Brown.
“Me and him played two years together. My third year, he was a redshirt, but really good dude. That’s my guy,” Pippen said.
Pippen said his Manila visit also gave him a better appreciation of basketball’s popularity in the Philippines.
He recalled seeing children playing basketball on the streets and fans watching the sport on televisions around his hotel.
“I’ve definitely been able to see how big basketball here is in the Philippines,” Pippen said.
Pippen is expected to return to the United States ahead of the NBA season, where he is set to take on a larger role with the rebuilding Grizzlies.
