No Scottie Thompson as Gilas starts training camp for OQT

Gilas Pilipinas, without Scottie Thompson, has started its training camp in Laguna ahead of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Latvia.

Inspire Sports Academy posted photos of the nationals' first day of training on Friday.

Based on the post, present in the camp were naturalized player Justin Brownlee, Kai Sotto, June Mar Fajardo, Chris Newsome, Dwight Ramos, CJ Perez, Carl Tamayo, Calvin Oftana, and Kevin Quiambao. Former PBA import and newly appointed Far Eastern University head coach Sean Chambers was also present, along with Barangay Ginebra players Ralph Cu and Donald Gumaru.

Japeth Aguilar and Mason Amos, who will fill the spots left by AJ Edu and Jamie Malonzo who are both injured, are also in the camp.

Thompson, on the other hand, will miss the qualifiers as he continues to recover from a bulging disc, according to the PBA website.

A replacement may also not be available due to the proximity of the event.

Before heading to the OQT, Gilas will face the Taiwan Mustangs in an exhibition match on Monday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

Gilas will face Latvia and Georgia in the OQT on July 3 and 4, respectively.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News