Thompson return big backcourt boost

A BIG boost for Gilas Pilipinas in the backcourt is the return of Barangay Ginebra standout Scottie Thompson, who was cleared to join the team’s closed-door practice late last week.

The 30-year-old reigning PBA Most Valuable Player was out of the loop for about a month after suffering a metacarpal fracture on his shooting hand during the tailend of Gilas’ training camp in Kaunas, Lithuania.

Scottie Thompson FIBA PHOTO 

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio is confident that despite the bumps and bruises Gilas experienced during the World Cup buildup, the team is “in much better shape.”

“Obviously, they’ve been practicing longer. They’ve been to Europe, they’ve been to China, so the core team is pretty good in terms of fitness,” Panlilio told One Sports’ “The Game.”

“Jordan [Clarkson] is also fit. Scottie is fit, but more of a game-time type of experience [he just needs] because he’s been away. Kai has more fitness that we want him to … but hopefully the last 10 days will be focused on better fitness, but for everyone, discipline themselves and make sure they are ready to battle starting August 25.”

Gilas kicks off its World Cup against the Dominican Republic on August 25 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

RICHARD DY