FILE – Gilas Pilipinas defends Scottie Thompson against Jordan in the fifth leg of the Fiba World Cup Asia Qualifiers. Fiba’s photo
MANILA, Philippines—Deputy Tim Cone of Gilas Pilipinas offered another look at Scottie Thompson’s performance in the Philippines’ narrow 91-90 loss to Jordan in the Fiba World Cup Qualifiers on Monday night.
The seasoned tactician, who also holds the Player of the Year championship at Ginebra, suggests that everyone’s focus is on Thompson’s muffled freebies costing Gilas the game. .
“Scottie missed two free throws? I didn’t notice,” he wrote in a tweet on Tuesday.
“I noticed the D he played on [Freddie] Ibrahim in the second half, more support (Justin Brownlee), energy, rebound. What a blessing to have him in Gilas,” he continued.
Scottie missed two free throws? I did not notice. I noticed the D he played against Ibrahim in the 2nd half, the many assists for JB, the hustle, the energy, the bounce. What a blessing to have him on Gilas! #NSD
– Heart cone (@manilacone) February 28, 2023
Thompson actually ended the game with nine points. He also made seven rebounds and made seven assists to go along with a steal.
The defending PBA Player of the Year got +12 losses and was even the most efficient cog in Gilas’ comeback machine that blew up late in the game.
Thompson was in tears as he spoke to reporters shortly after the game, saying that missing out on charities was the biggest mistake of his career.
The national coach was also quick to defend Thompson – who, despite playing all-round, was still criticized on social media after the defeat.
“I told Scottie not to take yourself too seriously. He won’t get free throws if he doesn’t bounce [the ball] anyway,” he said at the post-match press conference.
“You know, those things happen, and Scottie is going to be a much better player from there,” he added. “It was his efforts that helped him get the counter-attack, and unfortunately, he missed. When it matters, I don’t think Scottie will miss again.
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