SCOTTIE Thompson may have missed the PBA All-Star game, but he doesn’t see himself skipping Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign in the FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament this June.
Thompson continues to recover from the back injury that has kept him out in the ongoing Philippine Cup and the just concluded All-Star festivities in Bacolod City.
Thompson says he's fit to play in OQT
But the Barangay Ginebra stalwart assured he’ll be fit to suit up for the national team when it plays in Riga, Latvia from July 2-7.
The Philippines faces the tough task of playing world No. 8 and host Latvia and No. 23 Georgia in Group A of the five-day tournament.
“For sure, matagal pa naman yun,” was Thompson’s curt reply when asked about the possibility of playing in the last FIBA qualifier to the Paris Games.
“Tina-trust ko naman yung mga trainers namin. Sila talaga yung nakakaalam. For now, wino-work ko yung way ko para makabalik agad.”
The back injury prevented Thompson from seeing action in his latest All-Stars as part of Team Japeth, which was held to a stalemate by Team Mark, 140-140, following Robert Bolick’s spectacular five-point play in the endgame.
Thompson focuses on strengthening injured back
Thompson, 30, also didn’t go to the City of Smiles and missed his sixth All-Stars.
The former MVP said he’s focus on strengthening his injured back as he eyes an April comeback. But Thompson said he’s being cautious since he already suffered a back injury before.
“I’ve been here before since college. Kaya nag sit out ako dati,” he recalled. “Kaya alam ko yung pakiramdam na pipilitin mong ibalik tapos mangyayari ulit na mas malala. Based on my experience ayaw ko na ulit mangyari yun.”
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