Scottie Thompson has been bothered by a back injury since Gilas' build-up for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
Scottie Thompson was reduced to a cheerleader as Ginebra opened its PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup campaign with a 113-107 win over Rain or Shine at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao on Friday, March 8.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone later revealed that the Gilas stalwart has been nursing a back injury since the Nationals' build-up for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
“This is an issue that was bothering him in the FIBA Asia [Cup] Qualifiers. It happened a lot when we’re in the Inspire Camp. He was having issues with his back and sitting out most of practices. [He] fought his way through the games,” Cone said post-match.
“We tried to limit his minutes in the games hoping it wouldn’t get too bad, but it got worse. Now, we’re paying for that here. Now he’s missing games for Ginebra.”
There is no timetable yet for Thompson's return.
“It’s a huge challenge and we’re hoping we can get him back at some point. But it’s one of those issues we can’t put a timeline on. We don’t know when he’s going to be back,” the veteran mentor said.
Fortunately for Cone, his charges stepped up in Thompson's absence.
Jamie Malonzo starred with a career-high 32 points, including 15 in the opening period to set the tone for the Gin Kings.
Christian Standhardinger put up a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds he topped with six assists, while Maverick Ahanmisi added 18 markers, nine boards and the same number of dimes.
“I was really pleasantly surprised we’re able to do what we did without Scottie,” Cone said.