Some fans are expressing the opinion that the inclusion of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings star Earl Scottie Thompson in the Gilas Pilipinas team for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup might have been a misuse of a roster spot.
According to these fans, head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes should have considered selecting another player for the 12-man team in the tournament instead of Thompson, who failed to score a single basket in the last two matches.
Do we agree?
It is easy to say yes if you look at the stats. Scottie averaged 1.7 points, 33% FG, 2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.7 turnovers in 11.9 minutes per game.
Remember that Scottie did not become an MVP because he is the best point guard in the league. Nobody in his right mind will rank him higher as a point guard over Robert Bolick, Mark Barroca and even CJ Perez.
What made Scottie Thompson an MVP caliber player is his ability to impact the game without needing the ball. Unfortunately, he was not seen by the coaching staff as such. Instead, they anointed him right away as the starting point guard.
And at the very first game against Dominican Republic, it was obvious that he is not the right man for that role. Take note of what I have said. For that role!
Unfortunately, a simplified offense of dribble-drive without too much complexity and ball movement, minimize the plethora of above-average skills that Scottie can offer on offense.
He is not effective if he will only stand beyond-the-arc because he is a below-average shooter. He is most effective with a lot of happenings in the court and the ball finding him when he sees an advantage that he can cracked.
In short, Scottie was deserving of a spot. Unfortunately, he was not a good fit on the system and he was not also put in the best role possible.
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