Preparations intensify as Ginebra's do-it-all guy Scottie Thompson rejoined the Gilas Pilipinas team practice in anticipation of the forthcoming FIBA World Cup 2023.
Following his absence from the China pocket tournament due to a hand injury suffered during a training camp in Europe, Philippine Basketball Association President Al Panlilio himself confirmed that the current PBA MVP has resumed training alongside his fellow Gilas teammates.
"I was there [at the practice], Scottie was there, JC (Jordan Clarkson) was there, the whole 16 players were all there. I think, Scottie is fit, I guess, it is just a matter of getting back to playing baskketball but he did played that night," he conveyed.
Likewise, Panlilio disclosed that the 7-foot-3 center, Kai Sotto, has received medical clearance to return to the court following his recovery from a back injury sustained in the recent NBA Summer League, where Sotto played for the Orlando Magic.
"Kai also played. Our doctors spoke yesterday, the doctors of Kai and the SBP doctors, and he has been cleared to play. That's good news," he revealed.
However, the SBP President emphasized that the 21-year-old big man needs to regain his optimal physical condition after missing several national team practices.
"Obviosly, what Kai needs to do now in the next few days is to really improve his fitness because he has been also not playing, so, I think that's one aspect of the game he needs to work on," Panlilio added.
Alongside Jordan Clarkson, Kiefer Ravena, June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Dwight Ramos, Roger Pogoy, CJ Perez, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Thirdy Ravena, Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome, AJ Edu, Calvin Oftana, and Rhenz Abando, Gilas is setting its sights on securing victory in the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2023.
As the World Cup kicks off on August 25, the country's representatives will face off against the Dominican Republic in their opening match.
