Scottie Thompson might join Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Basketball World Cup, after all.
According to Gilas team manager Butch Antonio, the 6-foot-1 Thompson had already started training, one month after suffering a hand injury during their training in Lithuania as part of their preparation for the prestigious 32-nation event.
Thompson is expected to play a crucial role for Gilas.
A versatile player who can do practically everything on the court from playmaking to shooting, defending and rebounding, Thompson is being groomed to become the chief point guard of the national squad.
But he suffered a metacarpal fracture in his right hand, prompting him to sit out in the remainder of their European training and the friendly series in China last week.
Usually, his injury takes four to six weeks to heal, but Thompson pulled off a shocker as he recovers faster than expected and practiced without restrictions. He was even seen doing light drills and shooting in a video shared by his wife, Jinky, on social media.
“Scottie was at practice last night,” Antonio said, adding that the reigning Philippine Basketball Association Most Valuable Player looked good during their closed-door training last Sunday at the Philsports Arena.
With Thompson, and naturalized player Jordan Clarkson, now on board, Kai Sotto remains the only piece missing in the Gilas puzzle.
But Antonio said things are already progressing between Kai Sotto and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
He stressed that the doctor of the 7-foot-3 Sotto are scheduled to talk to the doctor of the federation on Monday, something that could pave the way for the issuance of the medical clearance that SBP president Al Panlilio has been requiring.
“We are still waiting for clearance from Kai,” Antonio, also the deputy executive director for international affairs of the federation, said.
“(I) was advised that Kai’s doctor will talk to our team doctor today.”
