SCOTTIE Thompson has been ruled out of the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Latvia due to an injury, Gilas Pilipinas team manager Richard Del Rosario confirmed on Friday.
Thompson was noticeably absent during the first day of training on Friday at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna, based on photos posted by the facility’s Facebook page.
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The former PBA MVP has been dealing with a bulging disc, an injury he had to play through during the recently-concluded Philippine Cup semifinals where Ginebra lost to eventual champion Meralco in seven games.
READ Newsome, Fajardo, Perez present as Gilas begins OQT build-up
Thompson adds to a number of injured Gilas players with Jamie Malonzo and AJ Edu already sitting out the OQT.
Initially listed as alternates, Japeth Aguilar and Mason Amos are expected to join the final roster for the OQT where they will face Latvia and Georgia in the group stage.
Thompson's absence leaves Gilas without its starting point guard for the Latvia tournament, meaning coach Tim Cone will likely have CJ Perez, Chris Newsome, and Dwight Ramos alternating in the role.
Gilas has no natural point guard in its 12-man core.
With only a few days to go before the OQT, Thompson’s spot is not expected to be filled up, meaning Gilas will most likely play with 11 players in their bid go book a place in the Paris Olympics.
The Barangay Ginebra star had a good showing in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers 2025 first window especially in the point guard position where he averaged nine per outing in the two games during the February window.
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