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Scottie Thompson shares his lessons on business, balance, and building life beyond basketball.
A decade in the league, Scottie Thompson has accomplished a lot as a basketball player. He has built a trophy cabinet stacked with awards from both college and the pros. Now a veteran and one of the faces of Barangay Ginebra, Thompson continues to carve out a decorated career in the PBA through the hustle and winning play that have made him a fan favorite.
Scottie may have done it all on the court, but outside basketball, he also thrives. Off the court, he is an owner of businesses, and the journey of the former NCAA and PBA MVP as an entrepreneur goes way back.
A strong background
Thompson’s interest in business did not appear out of nowhere. Before turning pro, he took up Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, major in Marketing Management, giving him formal exposure to business fundamentals.
At home, he also saw entrepreneurship firsthand through his family. He recalled how his grandparents were involved in farming-related businesses in the province, while the money management habits of his mother and grandmother left a lasting impact. For him, those early observations became part of his foundation.
“Of course, sa amin back then, my grandfather and grandmother, they’re doing business,” he said. “The way maghawak ng money ‘yung lola ko, ‘yung mama ko. I think, ‘yun ‘yung background ko.”
Young entrepreneur
As early as his rookie year, the Barangay Ginebra guard began exploring the world of business, stepping into entrepreneurship while still trying to establish himself as a professional athlete. It was an ambitious move and it came with opportunities, setbacks, and lessons he now openly shares.
“The good thing when you start a business when you’re young, kasi you still have time,” Thompson shared. “If you fail, you still have time to cover up sa mga mistakes mo.”
For Thompson, business has never been a straight path. It has been a journey shaped by timing, mistakes, trust, and growth.
First venture
Thompson’s first business was a barbershop, a venture that naturally aligned with his lifestyle as an athlete. Even today, the business remains active, with some branches operating under franchise arrangements. While expansion has slowed, the venture remains part of his entrepreneurial journey.
The choice made sense. Grooming, image, and routine are all familiar parts of a player’s life, and sports culture has long had a connection with barbershop spaces. They are places where community, conversation, and identity come together.
Over the years, Thompson has also expanded into other ventures, including co-owning a one-stop fitness hub in Bulacan. Another business that reflects his connection to sports and wellness.
For Thompson, however, the barber shop business also represented an early lesson in motivation.
“Well, the honest answer is, of course, you want to earn more,” he said. It is a candid admission. Many people begin businesses with income in mind, but Thompson eventually realized that money alone is not enough reason to start one.
Finding balance
Thompson was also honest about the reality of juggling two demanding worlds. Running a business while maintaining a professional basketball career is not easy. In fact, he admits it can become a distraction.
“Nakaka-distract din, of course, playing career mo,” he said.
The honesty stands out in a culture that often celebrates nonstop hustle. Thompson knows that basketball, especially at the highest level, requires complete focus. It demands so much from an athlete’s schedule.
Because of that, he believes players should think carefully before diving into entrepreneurship too early. “As much as possible, kung kaya mong huwag muna mag-business, mag-focus ka muna sa basketball,” he explained.
A practical advice coming from someone who lived through both sides of the experience. There is value in building beyond the game, but there is also value in knowing when to prioritize the game itself.
Trust matters
If there is one lesson Thompson emphasizes most, it is the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. “The most crucial is the right people,” Thompson said. “Choose the right people.” That lesson came through experience. No owner can master every part of a company. Marketing, operations, finance, management, and customer service each require different strengths.
“You have to choose the right people na magaling dito sa ibang field,” he added. It is a reminder that entrepreneurship is rarely a solo act. Even the biggest names need to surround themselves with experts.
For an athlete as decorated and accomplished as Scottie, his profile grew. Thompson said more business proposals naturally came his way. “Meron ako marami,” he said, referring to the number of pitches and offers he has received.
With popularity comes access, but it also comes risk. Thompson admits that not every decision worked out. “Meron na rin ako mga bad decision na nangyari,” he shared. Still, he refuses to define those moments as failures.
Scottie’s advice
Now more experienced, Thompson has clear advice for fellow players who want to build something outside the sport. First, passion has to be there.
“For me, siguro kung mag-start sila ng business, make sure ‘yung passion mo doon,” he said.
Second, the venture should align with who they are and how they live. A business connected to a player’s interests, habits, or expertise gives them a stronger chance to contribute meaningfully.
Lastly, athletes must understand both the pros and cons before saying yes. Not every polished presentation leads to long-term success.
That is why Thompson believes alignment matters more than hype. On the court, Scottie Thompson built his name through grit and consistency. Off it, he is still applying those same values, truly an MVP on and off the court.
Images by Gail Geriane.
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