Scottie Thompson still uncertain for China trip
Published Jul 26, 2023 09:31 am
There’s no decision yet whether Gilas Pilipinas guard Scottie Thompson will be joining the Nationals for their pocket tournament in Guangdong, China.
But if head coach Chot Reyes would have it, he would like him to stay in the country and simply focus on rehabbing his injured hand.
“I think it will be better for him to focus on his rehab here but we haven’t made a decision yet,” the Gilas head coach told reporters at the end of one of Gilas' training sessions at the Meralco Gym earlier this week. Although still diligently attending Gilas practices, Thompson remained at the sideline with the bandaged right hand due to a metacarpal fracture, an injury he sustained during the national team’s trip in Europe. Thompson undergoes weekly X-rays on his injured hand and there were encouraging signs that the fracture is quickly healing. Still, the Gilas coaching staff is being cautious with Thompson’s injury especially with barely a month left before the start of the 2023 FIBA World Cup on Aug. 25. There’s no definite timetable on Thompson’s full recovery but such injuries are likely to require him to sit out for three more weeks. Gilas is set to fly to China on Aug. 1 for its scheduled games against fellow World Cup-bound teams Lebanon, Iran and Senegal from Aug. 2 to 6. NBA star and naturalized player Jordan Clarkson is also set to join the team on Aug. 6 and could already suit up in a possible tuneup game against Puerto Rico.
“I think it will be better for him to focus on his rehab here but we haven’t made a decision yet,” the Gilas head coach told reporters at the end of one of Gilas' training sessions at the Meralco Gym earlier this week. Although still diligently attending Gilas practices, Thompson remained at the sideline with the bandaged right hand due to a metacarpal fracture, an injury he sustained during the national team’s trip in Europe. Thompson undergoes weekly X-rays on his injured hand and there were encouraging signs that the fracture is quickly healing. Still, the Gilas coaching staff is being cautious with Thompson’s injury especially with barely a month left before the start of the 2023 FIBA World Cup on Aug. 25. There’s no definite timetable on Thompson’s full recovery but such injuries are likely to require him to sit out for three more weeks. Gilas is set to fly to China on Aug. 1 for its scheduled games against fellow World Cup-bound teams Lebanon, Iran and Senegal from Aug. 2 to 6. NBA star and naturalized player Jordan Clarkson is also set to join the team on Aug. 6 and could already suit up in a possible tuneup game against Puerto Rico.