Scottie Thompson is proving to be more than just a dependable floor general for Gilas Pilipinas—he’s also becoming one of the team’s most valuable off-court allies.
In the lead-up to their exhibition game against the Macau Black Bears, Gilas found themselves in need of a solid training venue. Enter Thompson, who generously offered his private gym in Clark as a temporary home for the national squad’s practice sessions. The result? A spirited 103-98 victory at the Araneta Coliseum, with Thompson himself turning in a productive all-around performance: 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals in just 25 minutes of action.
While many fans see Thompson’s efforts on the court, few realize the behind-the-scenes impact he continues to make.
“It was a proud moment for me to have Gilas train at my facility,” said the Barangay Ginebra star. “They needed a space, and it just happened that the Gilas Youth had used my gym before, so it made sense for them to return.”
The national team took full advantage of the gym’s privacy and space—an environment Thompson believes helped the team lock in and fine-tune their strategies ahead of the match.
“They were really able to focus,” Thompson shared. “It was a closed-door setting, away from distractions. I’m just happy the gym played a part in that.”
Beyond the national duty, Thompson also joked that having Gilas train there gives his gym some solid publicity. “Of course, it helps my gym too,” he said with a laugh. “Maybe if they keep coming back, we’ll make the place even better.”
Now back at the Araneta Coliseum for their final practices, Gilas is preparing to fly out Thursday to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for the next leg of their FIBA Asia Cup campaign.
From putting in work during games to offering up training space for his teammates, Thompson continues to find ways to contribute—and his commitment to the national team keeps growing stronger.