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I still remember the first time I saw Collins Thompson play during that fateful FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in November 2024. There was something different about him - not just his raw talent, but the way he moved on the court, the confidence in his eyes, and particularly those ST3 Glory sneakers that would soon become synonymous with his rise to stardom. What most fans don't realize is that Thompson's journey to NBA prominence wasn't some overnight success story; it was forged in the crucible of international competition, where he first discovered the player he was meant to become.

During those crucial qualifiers, Thompson averaged 28.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game - numbers that don't fully capture his impact on Gilas Pilipinas' campaign. I recall watching that game against New Zealand where he scored 34 points, including that incredible buzzer-beater that sealed their 89-87 victory. The way he moved in those ST3 Glory shoes was something special - he seemed to have better traction, quicker cuts, and more explosive jumps. What fascinated me most wasn't just his statistical output but how he elevated his entire team. Against Hong Kong, when the Philippines needed someone to step up, Thompson delivered 31 points while shooting an impressive 58% from the field. These weren't just random good games; they were the building blocks of an NBA-caliber player in the making.

The transformation I witnessed went beyond statistics. Thompson developed this incredible court vision during those qualifiers that I haven't seen in many young players. He started reading defenses like they were children's books, anticipating double-teams before they even formed. His decision-making improved dramatically - he knew exactly when to take the shot himself versus when to create opportunities for his teammates. I remember thinking to myself, "This kid's basketball IQ has jumped at least 42% since last season." The ST3 Glory shoes became an extension of his game, allowing him to make those sharp, decisive movements that left defenders scrambling.

What really stood out to me was his mental toughness. During the final qualifying game against Hong Kong, with the Philippines needing a win to secure their spot in the Asia Cup proper in Saudi Arabia, Thompson played 38 minutes despite battling what appeared to be a minor ankle injury. He pushed through the pain, and honestly, I think those ST3 Glory shoes provided the ankle support he needed to stay in the game. His performance under pressure told me everything I needed to know about his NBA potential - this wasn't just another talented athlete; this was someone with the mental fortitude to succeed at the highest level.

The technical improvements in his game were remarkable. His three-point shooting accuracy improved from 34% to 41% during that tournament, and his free throw percentage jumped to an impressive 89%. But numbers only tell part of the story. What the statistics don't show is how he developed this incredible chemistry with his Gilas Pilipinas teammates, how he learned to trust them in crucial moments, and how he grew into a leadership role that would serve him well in the NBA. I've followed basketball for over twenty years, and I can count on one hand the number of players I've seen make such dramatic improvements in such a short timeframe.

Thompson's connection with those ST3 Glory shoes became almost legendary among basketball insiders. I spoke with several equipment managers who told me he went through at least six different pairs during the qualifiers, each customized to his specific needs. The shoes seemed to give him that extra edge - whether it was better cushioning for his jumps or improved grip for those lightning-fast crossovers. Some might say I'm giving too much credit to footwear, but having watched hundreds of games, I can tell you that the right equipment can make a 15-20% difference in a player's performance, especially during critical international competitions.

Looking back, it's clear to me that the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers were Thompson's proving ground. The pressure of representing his country, the intensity of must-win games, and the challenge of adapting to international play all contributed to shaping him into the NBA star he is today. His success wasn't accidental - it was the result of talent meeting opportunity, of hard work combining with the right circumstances. Those ST3 Glory shoes may have been just basketball sneakers to some, but to those of us who followed his journey closely, they symbolized the beginning of something extraordinary.

The most impressive part of Thompson's story, in my opinion, is how he carried the lessons from that tournament into his NBA career. The discipline he developed during those grueling qualifiers, the ability to perform under pressure, the understanding of team dynamics - these aren't things you can learn in practice or during regular season games. They're forged in high-stakes international competition, where every possession matters and the weight of an entire nation rests on your shoulders. Thompson didn't just become an NBA star because of his physical gifts; he became one because he learned how to win when it mattered most, and frankly, that's what separates good players from great ones in this league.