MANILA, Philippines – Basketball stars from the PBA and NBA came together for a special vivo x NBA Meet & Greet on July 30 at the vivo Concept Store in SM Megamall, where PBA standout Scottie Thompson and Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. shared inspiring stories about leadership, perseverance, and life both on and off the court.
The event held special significance for Thompson, who revealed that he was named after six-time NBA champion Scottie Pippen, the father of Pippen Jr., in honor of his own father’s admiration for the Chicago Bulls legend.
“It’s truly an honor to meet Scotty. I’m sure my dad would be very proud,” Thompson shared during his onstage conversation with host KC Montero, describing the encounter as a full-circle moment.
The admiration was mutual. When asked about meeting Thompson during his visit to the Philippines, Pippen Jr. said he was touched to learn the story behind the PBA star’s name and honored that it was inspired by his father.
“Definitely cool. He’s a cool dude and a super accomplished player. Just hearing all the accolades he’s achieved is surreal. It’s also crazy that he was named after my dad and now, years later, we’re both here together. It’s really cool to meet someone like that,” Pippen Jr. shared.
Scotty Pippen Jr. and Scottie Thompson with KC Montero (host) during the Q&A
Held at the vivo Concept Store in SM Megamall on July 30, the exclusive meet-and-greet gave fans a rare opportunity to interact with two elite point guards whose remarkable basketball journeys have inspired countless athletes in the PBA and NBA.
Two point guards, one passion
Throughout the afternoon, Thompson and Pippen Jr. reflected on the experiences that shaped their careers, sharing the lessons, challenges, and values that continue to define their leadership both on and off the court.
Pippen Jr. reflected on the perseverance that fueled his journey to the NBA, from his standout collegiate career at Vanderbilt University to signing with the Los Angeles Lakers as a two-way player in 2022, grinding through the NBA G League, and ultimately earning a roster spot with the Memphis Grizzlies.
“The main thing for me is confidence. In college, I was the best player on my team, but when I got to the NBA, you kind of start at the bottom. Just working hard every day, instilling confidence in yourself, knowing you belong, and believing you should be there really helped me,” Pippen Jr. shared.
Thompson, meanwhile, reflected on how years of dedication and perseverance propelled him from a standout collegiate player to a PBA Most Valuable Player, multiple-time champion, and one of the country’s most respected floor generals.
“For me, I just keep pushing myself every single day. I keep working hard. It shows in my game because what I do in practice is the same thing I bring onto the court,” Thompson said.
Although their journeys unfolded in different leagues and basketball cultures, both stars delivered the same message: success is built on hard work, perseverance, discipline, and always putting the team before individual achievements.
The conversation also offered fans valuable insight into what it takes to become an elite point guard. Although their journeys have taken different paths, both emphasized that true leadership is defined by making the right decisions under pressure, elevating teammates, and putting the team’s success first—qualities that transcend any league or level of competition.
Connecting with Filipino fans
Fans also had the opportunity to join the conversation during an interactive Q&A session, where they asked Thompson and Pippen Jr. about their basketball journeys, personal interests, and the valuable lessons they’ve learned throughout their careers.
When a fan asked who had the greatest influence on his basketball journey, Pippen Jr. didn’t hesitate to credit his father, saying his guidance and example played a pivotal role in shaping both his career and character.
“My biggest influence on my basketball journey is my dad. Growing up with someone who played in the NBA and has so much knowledge of the game, he was always pouring into me, giving me advice and tips that I still use to this day,” Pippen Jr. shared.
Thompson also gave fans a glimpse of the person behind the athlete. When asked what might surprise people about him, the PBA star answered with a smile: “I’m a family man.”
The simple yet heartfelt response drew smiles from the audience, reminding fans that beyond his accomplishments on the court, Thompson values family above all else.
Both players also expressed their appreciation for Filipino basketball fans, praising the country’s unmatched passion for the game and the electric atmosphere they created throughout the event.
Missed the live event? You can still relive the excitement by watching the livestream, captured using the vivo X300 Ultra, on vivo Philippines’ official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/vivo.philippines/videos/2265009864249930.
Every basketball moment captured using vivo X300 Ultra
From heartfelt conversations to unforgettable fan interactions, every memorable moment of the event was captured with the vivo X300 Ultra.
Built for sports, concerts, and other fast-paced moments, the vivo X300 Ultra features Triple ZEISS Master Lenses paired with ZEISS Telephoto Extenders that provide up to 400mm of reach, enabling users to capture sharp, detailed shots even from the upper sections of an arena.
Scotty Pippen Jr. using the vivo X300 Ultra during the group photo
Whether capturing the intensity of live sports or once-in-a-lifetime moments with basketball icons, the vivo X300 Ultra delivers flagship imaging that preserves every moment with stunning clarity and exceptional detail.
More than just a fan event, the vivo x NBA Meet & Greet celebrated basketball’s unique ability to bring people together across generations, cultures, and communities.
For Scottie Thompson, the event was a meaningful full-circle moment. For Scotty Pippen Jr., it was an opportunity to experience firsthand the passion of Filipino basketball fans. And for everyone in attendance, it became an unforgettable celebration that transformed admiration into lasting memories.
Scotty Thompson using the vivo X300 Ultra during the group photo