MANILA, August 15 ------ Things are finally getting better and better for Gilas Pilipinas. This is after reigning PBA MVP Scottie Thompson made his return to the squad’s practices for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, as per Gilas assistant coach Tim Cone. “He's back to practice. He practiced fully without restrictions last night,” the Barangay Ginebra mentor confirmed.
Thompson missed the team’s trip to China due to a hand injury that he suffered in their Europe training camp. The team went 3-1 at the Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament, but it was not without concern as Gilas also used the tilt to adjust their options at the point guard position which Thompson’s injury left a hole previously. Over that course, the Ginebra superstar made efforts to quickly recover from his shooting hand fracture to be able to return to the squad’s practices as soon as possible.
Thompson rejoining the team further boosts Gilas’ campaign as they enter the final phase of their training camp for there are only less than two weeks left before the tip-off of the World Cup on August 25. Before they face the Dominican Republic at the games’ opener at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, the team will have a set of tuneup games against Montenegro and Mexico next week.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
Editor's note:
However, medically clearing Sotto is necessary for the national federation to avoid any legal and medical liability in the event that the former Ateneo high school star, God forbid, sustains a catastrophic injury during the World Cup. SBP director of operations and team manager Butch Antonio told that kai condition is still unstable. Without this MRI document or medicals, Kai Sotto cannot be included in the World Cup. Antonio added.
Source: spin.ph