SCOTTIE Thompson feels like giving his spot up to another more deserving player for Gilas Pilipinas in is his way of contributing to the team and to the country for its campaign in the Fiba World Cup.
Speaking for the first time since begging off from being part of the pool for Gilas Pilipinas, Thompson truly believes that he is still not yet ready for the big international stage that is the Fiba Basketball World Cup where the team is bracketed with Serbia, Italy, and Angola.
Thompson said he sees other players more deserving for that spot that would make Gilas Pilipinas better when they face off against formidable opponents in the world stage.
“Para sa akin, hindi pa eh,” said Thompson on Friday following Barangay Ginebra’s match against Phoenix Pulse on Friday night. “Ang dami pang iimprove. Iba doon. International stage.”
“Sayang ang pagkakataon pero nag-isip ako ng sobra. Hindi rin ako makatulog sa desisyon ko pero I think ‘yun ang pinaka-best way na maitulong ko sa bayan, to give way sa mas deserving pa na makapaglaro at mas ready sa international stage,” said Thompson.
Thompson specifically pointed out the need to improve on his offense. Thompson averaged 2.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in his five games during the Fiba qualifiers.
“Siguro ‘yung offense ko. Ipopolish ko ‘yung offense ko. Sana soon dumating. Mas maging confident ako sa sarili ko,” said Thompson.
Thompson said national coach Yeng Guiao respected his decision, while also supporting his move for additional players in the pool that are capable of making it to the World Cup.
“Sabi niya, naging honest ako. At least, nagsabi ako ng maaga especially balik naman sila Kiefer, sila Bolick, CJ, good para sa akin,” said Thompson.
Thompson isn’t also discounting the possibility of attending practices if warm bodies are needed.
“Oo naman. Pag may chance na kulang ‘yung bodies sa practice, makakatulong din naman ako,” Thompson said.
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