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 Scottie Thompson during the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers 2023 match between Gilas Pilipinas and Lebanon at the Philippine Arena on February 24, 2023. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News


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Scottie Thompson embracing leadership role with Gilas 

Rom Anzures

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/Scottie-Thompson--02202024.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"></span></span></span></div><p> Scottie Thompson during the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers 2023 match between Gilas Pilipinas and Lebanon at the Philippine Arena on February 24, 2023. <em>Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News</em></p><div><br/></div><div> </div><div><br/></div><p>MANILA — After previously serving as one of the backup guards of the team, Scottie Thompson is now one of the leaders of Gilas Pilipinas on and off the court.</p><p>The 6-foot-1, Digos City native is now the lead guard of Gilas Pilipinas, as he is one of the players who has an extensive understanding of head coach Tim Cone’s system.</p><p>The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel star said that he has been embracing this role, and his style is to lead by example.</p><p>“Unang-una, siyempre pinapakita ko sa practice kung ano yung kailangang gawin bago ko ituro sa kanila,” said the one-time PBA MVP on Monday during the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ press conference at the PhilSports Arena.</p><p>“Very crucial yun, at para makatulong kay Coach Tim,” he continued.</p><p>For the former Perpetual Altas superstar, this started even before there was an official call-up to once again play for the National team.</p><p>“Talagang we had to keep our discipline,” said Thompson as he pointed out what he did after the Gin Kings’ semifinals exit in the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.</p><p>“Kahit na-out kaming maaga, kinailangan pa ‘rin naming isipin yung next step, yung pagiging in shape pa ‘rin,” he said.</p><p>The one-time NCAA MVP explained that moving forward, this will be crucial especially since they are now under Cone’s system that emphasizes building up for the long term.</p><p>“Very crucial sa’min yun, especially ngayon na we’re thinking of the bigger picture. Any time na ma-out kami sa PBA, we know na there is Gilas na incoming.”</p><p>“Kailangan ready kami palagi,” he added.</p><p>Good thing for them, Thompson said that his teammates are very capable of doing and maintaining these of themselves.</p><p>“Sobrang bilis naman nilang turuan. Lahat ng andito, very high basketball IQ,” explained Thompson, speaking about this Gilas team that is composed of players who are either coming in from the 2023 FIBA World Cup roster, the 19th Asian Games roster, or those who will be returning for the first time much like Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao.</p><p>“Actually, nagulat kami na mabilis yung progress nila sa system ni Coach Tim. But yun nga, always sinasasabi ni Coach Tim sa’min na always think of the bigger picture ahead,” said the former PBA lottery pick.</p><p>“Hindi lang dapat yung ngayon. Long journey ‘to para sa amin. Failure man or success, dapat we’re still together and we stick together,” he concluded.</p><div><br/></div>

<p> Scottie Thompson during the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers 2023 match between Gilas Pilipinas and Lebanon at the Philippine Arena on February 24, 2023. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News</p>

Scottie Thompson during the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers 2023 match between Gilas Pilipinas and Lebanon at the Philippine Arena on February 24, 2023. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News