By REYNALD MAGALLON
Scottie Thompson rejoined Gilas Pilipinas practice albeit reduced as spectator on Monday, July 17 at the Meralco Gym.
It was the first time the reigning PBA MVP attended the national team practice since the team returned from its European trip where he suffered a metacarpal fracture on his right hand.
Thompson remained questionable for the country’s campaign in the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup with initial assessments on his injury appearing that he would need four to six weeks to fully recover from the injury.
Still, his presence in the practice was a welcome boost for the rest of the 16 players who are deep in their preparations for Gilas’ pocket tournament in Guangdong, China.
All the players who were in attendance since the national team returned to practice last week, showed up for Gilas which was also coming off a brief two-day break over the weekend.
“It’s good that he’s still around, hopefully he can recover with his hand, and continue whatever he has to do to stay in shape. Hopefully he can rejoin us again. He’s a big part of the team,” said Gilas forward Dwight Ramos.
Joining Ramos and Thompson in attendance were June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Justin Brownlee and Jamie Malonzo, AJ Edu, Poy Erram, Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Ray Parks, Chris Newsome, Ange Kouame, Rhenz Abando, Calvin Oftana and RR Pogoy.
Pogoy, who was coming off a fracture on his pinky finger and only joined the shooting drills last time out, already joined the scrimmages during the two-hour training session.
Only Kai Sotto, Jordan Clarkson and Jordan Heading were absent from the 20-man pool.
Out of the three, Sotto has the most likelihood to show up in Gilas practices as he is already set to arrive in the country on Tuesday, July 18 according to Gilas head coach Chot Reyes
Whether he will show up to the practice or will he be fit to join the team, that remains to be seen especially after Sotto failed to finish his last game in the NBA Summer League due to a back injury
