Reinvigorated Scottie Thompson ready to play for Gilas

After battling injury these past few weeks, Gilas Pilipinas guard Scottie Thompson affirmed that he is ready to give it his all for the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup.

The 30-year-old star says he is grateful given how fast his healing process for his metacarpal fracture went.

“First of all, nagpapasalamat ako kay Lord na binigyan Niya ako ng mabilis na recovery,” remarked Thompson.

(First of all, I thank the Lord that he allowed my recovery to be fast.)

Despite being sidelined for their subsequent trips after their European tour, the Barangay Ginebra star did not rest on his laurels and continued to keep in shape for his eventual return.

“Nung nasa China sila, madami kaming ginawa. Nagpakondisyon ako so para pagbalik nila, maging ready ako. 'Yun nga 'yung nangyari, so sobrang blessed lang na just in time nakabalik ako tapos nakasali sa World Cup,” said Thompson after Gilas’ open practice last Tuesday.

Scottie Thompson confesses that he is thankful to still be available despite his injury scares; says that he is ready to give it his all if selected into the final 12.@gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/WivMUf5Z74

— Juris (@Salvanera_Juris) August 22, 2023

(When they were in China, we did a lot for recovery. I continued conditioning myself so that when they return, I am ready, and that's what happened. I'm blessed that it happened just in time for the World Cup.)

Claiming that he is now at a hundred percent, the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA legend is very thankful for still being in consideration for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play in front of the Filipino faithful.

“Ang iniisip ko na talaga ngayon is minsan lang tong mangyari to sa Pilipinas, sa buhay ko, so talagang all out ako—kami—dito. Kasi di namin alam kung kelan ulit magkakaroon ng World Cup na home court natin,” said Thompson.

“Ine-enjoy ko lang 'yung moment na to, chine-cherish ko,” he added.

(What I'm thinking now is that this is a event in the Philippines and in my life so I - we - are all out. We do not know when the World Cup will happen in our home court again. I'm just enjoying the moment, I'm cherishing it.)

Thompson and the rest of Gilas Pilipinas will open their World Cup campaign against the Dominican Republic this Friday, 8:00 PM, at the Philippine Arena.

—Juris Salvanera/JKC, GMA Integrated News