Is there a chance for Scottie Thompson's return to Gilas Pilipinas before the FIBA World Cup commences?
The status of Scottie Thompson's injury remains uncertain as he was once again absent from the national team's closed-door training session at the Philsports Arena in Pasig. Among the members of the training pool, Thompson is notably the only one who hasn't joined the team's preparations for the final phase, a mere two weeks ahead of the FIBA World Cup kickoff.
Thompson's absence is attributed to his ongoing rehabilitation for the right metacarpal fracture he sustained during Gilas Pilipinas' training camp in Europe. Coach Chot Reyes has indicated that Thompson's availability hinges on weekly evaluations based on X-ray results of his injured hand.
In light of the situation, Gilas is adapting its preparations in anticipation of the possibility that their preferred point guard might not recover in time for the World Cup. Initial assessments projected Thompson's potential return around August 18, just approximately one week before the tournament starts.
Considering this timeline, Coach Reyes acknowledged the challenges if Thompson is cleared to practice only on August 18, as it might not allow sufficient time for him to regain his form and conditioning.
So, should Gilas take the risk?
Scottie is doing everything that he is allowed to do to prepare himself for the upcoming FIBA World Cup. But the reality is, even if he is clearly by August 18, he will only have a few days of practice with the team.
Knowing that he will be the point guard and he will make most of the initial decisions in their plays, I do not think it is logical to trust him into such a role with a limited amount of preparation.
And specially with Kiefer Ravena out there, developing good chemistry with the other players.
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