MANILA, Philippines — Injury woes continued to bite Gilas Pilipinas as playmaker Scottie Thompson has been ruled out of the Nationals’ campaign in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT).
Thompson, according to team manager Richard del Rosario, is forced out of action by the back injury that’s been bothering him since the PBA Philippine Cup.
The 6-foot-1 Thompson’s unavailability left Gilas with 11 men for the OQT slated July 2 to 7 in Latvia.
Thompson’s absence leaves primary guard duties to Chris Newsome, fresh from leading Meralco to the PBA Philippine Cup crown.
The PBA season 46 MVP joined center AJ Edu (torn meniscus) and wingman Jamie Malonzo (calf) in sick bay as the Nationals started their buildup with a three-day camp at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna.
But unlike the cases of Edu and Malonzo, whose places were filled by Japeth Aguilar and Mason Amos long ago, finding a replacement for Thompson is difficult given the proximity of the Euro trip.