Barangay Ginebra star Scottie Thompson is trying to lead by example for his new teammates while also trying to get himself back into top shape after being sidelined with a nagging back injury.

The one-time Most Valuable Player stressed the importance of him putting in the work despite still recovering from the back injury as he hopes to help and ensure that the young new pieces of the Kings buy into their system.

“The key for me right now is to be healthy in the conference. I've been working hard na makabalik talaga in full condition,” said Thompson who posted a triple-double of 21 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in Ginebra’s 112-98 win over Blackwater in their second-round meeting.

Admittedly still taking a cautious approach with the back injury, Thompson said he wanted to be a role model to Stephen Holt and RJ Abarrientos who are both slowly growing into their roles in Ginebra.

“Kailangan kong maging role model sa mga bago na gawin yung pinagawa ni coach Tim sa practice para sundan nila kami. I think yung key sa amin para mag buy-in din yung mga bago namin,” said Thompson.

Cone also attested to the huge role of Thompson in easing the transition for the entire team although the veteran head coach is also wary of wearing out his veteran playmaker, whether in practice or in games.

“Scottie is, in my opinion, playing at 85 and 90 percent right now. He’s not fully 100 percent and we have to be careful with him in practice. We have to make sure that we don't wear him out and to get his back flared up again. We’re kinda handling him with kid gloves as much as we can,” said Cone.

“There’s a certain habit you have to perform to be able to execute that system well and if you don't have your main guys doing that and trying to execute then the other guys were like why should we?” Cone commented about the veterans in Thompson, Japeth Aguilar and LA Tenorio taking the lead.

“It’s crucial for (Scottie), LA, Japeth and Justin (Brownlee), they have such a high buy-in in what we do. Seeing the success in what we do and when they do it with a detailed approach, (the other guys) buy into that as well,” he added.