Basketball worlds converged on July 30 at the vivo Concept Store in SM Megamall, where PBA MVP Scottie Thompson met Memphis Grizzlies point guard Scotty Pippen Jr. during the official vivo x NBA Meet & Greet.

Hosted by KC Montero, the exclusive event brought together two elite playmakers to discuss career perseverance, on-court leadership, and a unique personal connection linking Philippine basketball to Chicago Bulls history.

A Full-Circle Meeting: Named After an NBA Legend

The event marked a meaningful personal milestone for Barangay Ginebra star Scottie Thompson, who revealed he was named after six-time NBA Champion Scottie Pippen due to his father’s deep admiration for the 1990s Chicago Bulls icon.

“It’s truly an honor to meet Scotty. I’m sure my dad would be very proud,” said Thompson, calling the encounter a true full-circle moment.

Pippen Jr. echoed the sentiment, praising Thompson’s achievements in the PBA:

“He’s a cool dude and a super accomplished player. Just hearing all the accolades he’s achieved is surreal. It’s crazy that he was named after my dad and now, years later, we’re both here together.”

Two Distinct Journeys, One Shared Mindset

Despite playing in different leagues and basketball systems, both floor generals highlighted the work ethic required to succeed at the highest levels.

• Scotty Pippen Jr. on NBA Resilience: Reflecting on his transition from Vanderbilt University standout to a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, G League development, and securing his role with the Memphis Grizzlies, Pippen emphasized mindset:“The main thing for me is confidence… 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.”
• Scottie Thompson on Consistency: Highlighting his growth from NCAA collegiate standout to PBA MVP and multi-title champion, Thompson pointed to daily preparation:“For me, I just keep pushing myself every single day. What I do in practice is the same thing I bring onto the court.”

Engaging Filipino Basketball Fans

During an interactive Q&A session, both athletes connected directly with local supporters:

• Pippen Jr. on His Greatest Influence: Credit went directly to his father: “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.”
• Thompson on Life Off the Court: When asked what might surprise fans about him, Thompson smiled and answered: “I’m a family man.”

Both players praised the energy and dedication of the Philippine basketball community throughout the afternoon.

Capturing the Moment with the vivo X300 Ultra

The entire meet-and-greet was captured live using the flagship vivo X300 Ultra.

Engineered for fast-paced action, sports, and live events, the vivo X300 Ultra features:

• Triple ZEISS Master Lenses for professional-grade color accuracy and clarity.
• ZEISS Telephoto Extenders reaching up to 400mm, designed to capture sharp arena details even from distant upper-tier seating.

Price & Availability

• Price: Php 109,999
• Availability: Official vivo Concept Stores nationwide and the official vivo Philippines E-Store.