Thompson welcomes 'super aggressive' Ahanmisi as Ginebra backcourt partner

MANILA, Philippines -- Barangay Ginebra guard Scottie Thompson said that he is happy to finally share the court with Mav Ahanmisi, as they formed a potent backcourt tandem.

Thompson and Ahanmisi shared the court together for the bulk of Ginebra’s 100-86 victory over the Converge FiberXers in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Friday night.

Thompson, after the game, said he is delighted to play with Ahanmisi.

“Mav, he is super aggressive. He gets rebounds, so it is a big relief for me now that Mav is in the backcourt with me,” the former PBA Most Valuable Player told reporters after the game.

In 32 minutes of action on Friday, Ahanmisi finished with seven points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals.

He also notched a game-high +16.

However, the recently named PBA Most Improved Player shot just 2-of-9 from the field.

The shooting guard’s first point came in the third quarter -- a split from the line.

His first field goal came at the 8:09 mark of the frame, and he hit a 3-pointer almost five minutes later that gave Ginebra a 71-65 lead.

“I know he struggled today, but we all know coming to the next game, he will be better,” Thompson said.

“It is up to us how to help him with the system of Coach Tim [Cone]”.

Ahanmisi, for his part, called his Ginebra debut a “crazy feeling.”

“I’ve been in this league for eight, seven years I think, so it’s crazy to finally be on this side, for the fans to be on your side. It’s fun though,” he said.

He acknowledged that he needs to give more on the table for the Gin Kings, especially with his debut performance.

“This is the game for me to get my feet wet. I’m just happy we came out with the win.”

The Gin Kings will try to win their second straight game as they face the Magnolia Hotshots on Sunday in a Manila Clasico.

Magnolia is unblemished in three contests so far.