By REYNALD MAGALLON
Scottie Thompson and Barangay Ginebra are taking a cautious approach with regards to his back injury that had sidelined him through the first three games of his team in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup.
The one-time league Most Valuable Player shared that he already has a target date to return in mind but stressed that he is not rushing things when it comes to his full recovery.
“May target ako in mind na sana makabalik talaga, pero so far, sa doctor, wala pa talagang timetable,” said Thompson.
The veteran playmaker also emphasized that he would only want to return when he got a clean bill of health as he hopes of not aggravating the back injury and sidelines him for a longer period of time.
“Been here before. Since college, ito na yung issue ko kaya nag-sit out ako that year noong college. Alam ko yung pakiramdam na pipilitin maibalik tapos mangyayari ulit na mas lumala,” Thompson said.
“Based on my experience, ayaw ko nang mangyari ulit yun kasi isang taon akong nag-sit out noon, noong time na yun,” he added.
Thompson was reduced to a spectator as he helplessly watched his team getting battered by Meralco, resulting in a 91-73 blowout loss. His services, particularly his playmaking abilities, were badly missed as the Kings struggled to find the opening to the Bolts’ solid defense.
“Frustrated sa sarili ko kasi wala akong ibang magawa, hindi ako makatulong. But hindi naman din guaranteed na kung nandoon ako, maganda yung lalaruin namin. Frustrated lang kasi nga hindi ako nakatulong sa team,” said Thompson.
Due to the injury, Thompson is also unlikely to participate in the 2024 All-Star festivities in Bacolod City and instead will focus on his rehab for the injured back.
