Scottie Thompson (One Sports courtesy)
Gilas Pilipinas received a much-needed boost as the reigning PBA Most Valuable Player, Scottie Thompson, rejoined the team’s closed-door practice on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Dexter Aseron, the national squad’s therapist and strength and conditioning coach, confirmed that the 30-year-old Thompson “has been cleared to participate in 5-on-5 drills.”
“Thompson’s progress has been positive. He resumed practice last night,” Aseron said.
It’s worth recalling that Thompson suffered a metacarpal fracture on his shooting hand during the later stages of Gilas’ Europe training camp in Kaunas, Lithuania, just over a month ago.
Undoubtedly, the return of the versatile and athletic Ginebra guard will provide a much-needed boost to Gilas. In their recent pocket tournament in Guangdong, China, Gilas played with only one legitimate playmaker, Kiefer Ravena.
Gilas coach Chot Reyes also experimented with the roster during the team’s brief 2023 Heyuan WUS International Basketball campaign, trying out CJ Perez and Chris Newsome in the point guard position.
During the campaign, Gilas managed a commendable 3-1 record, splitting its two-game series against Senegal and sweeping Iran in its two-game stint.
In the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Thompson had an average of 6.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and an impressive 6.8 assists. (ai/mnm)