Gilas Pilipinas is still waiting for Scottie.
Is Gilas Pilipinas going to enter the FIBA World Cup without a natural point guard? That's the worst-case scenario the national team is already preparing with Scottie Thompson's status still up in the air.
The PBA MVP injured his hand during Gilas' camp in Lithuania and has yet to make a full recovery. Thompson was unable to join the national team in China.
According to coach Chot Reyes, they are closely monitoring the point guard's status.
"Week-by-week kasi ‘yung kay Scottie, depende on how he’s healing progresses. Remember he is our starting point guard," Reyes told former PBA commissioner Noli Eala on Power and Play.
But with the FIBA World Cup looming, Reyes already has a backup plan just in case Thompson will not be available for duty.
"Right now we are already preparing for the eventuality na in case hindi siya umabot. That’s why nakita mo yung end lineup natin last night was Cjay [Perez], we were trying Cjay to be the other point guard to play that role."
Then there's Gilas' not-so-secret weapon.
"Again, we also have another point guard, wala pa rito. Pangalan niya Jordan, initials niya JC e," Reyes quiped while talking about Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson.
Gilas continues its preparation with two more games in China before heading back to the Philippines this coming week.