Getting used to the European style of play is one of the main goals.
After recovering from back spasms that had him sidelined in the past few days, Scottie Thompson suited up on Wednesday night and tried to help Gilas Pilipinas beat Finland in a tune-up game leading up to the FIBA World Cup. According to the 2021 PBA MVP, he wanted to play for his teammates, and he needed to start getting in condition as well.
“Unang-una, nakakahiya sa mga kasama ko na nagpapakahirap din at saka medyo lumuwag naman ‘yung back spasms ko. Kaya rin ako naglaro kasi ang hirap ng walang papawis. So, kailangan ko rin makuha ‘yung shape ko,” the do-it-all point guard told Carlo Pamintuan of One Sports.
That said, Thompson’s presence wasn’t enough as Gilas fell short against the Finns in Tallinn, Estonia, 89-85. Focusing on the positives, it was once again evident that the Philippine contingent is a resilient bunch as it battled back furiously after trailing by as much as 18 points in the first half. Aside from that, Thompson, the team’s lead guard, was able to identify the things that he and the rest of the squad must improve on from this point on. One of which, is Gilas’ opening attack.
“’Yun talaga ‘yung kailangan ma-learn namin. From the start, kailangan all-out na agad. Kasi international, gano’n, first two minutes, parang second half na sila maglaro. Sana makuha namin ‘yung gano’ng style of play,” Thompson explained.
Playing the Finns was the 29-year-old floor general’s first time facing off against European opposition. Talking about the new experience he gained, Thompson stressed its importance in Gilas’ buildup for the upcoming global hoops summit.
“Malaking bagay talaga sa amin ‘tong training camp na ‘to. ‘Yun naman ‘yung purpose, talagang ma-feel ‘yung laro ng mga European. Hopefully, itong training camp na ‘to, malaki ang maitulong sa’min coming sa World Cup. And talagang tini-take advantage namin ‘to.”
After its stint in Estonia, Gilas is scheduled to play more friendlies against teams from Lithuania and Latvia.
(CF)