Ginebra’s Thompson strains shoulder, may play vs Talk ’N Text

MANILA, Philippines – Scottie Thompson, Barangay Ginebra’s fast-rising rookie guard, suffered a grade 1 strain on his right shoulder, head coach Tim Cone told Rappler in a text message Monday, December 14. 

The 22-year-old former NCAA MVP underwent an MRI Monday after the Gin Kings triumphed over the NLEX Road Warriors in a 91-90 squeaker Sunday, December 13 in the 2016 PBA Philippine Cup. 

Thompson, who was Ginebra’s 5th overall pick in this year’s draft, injured his shoulder in the closing seconds after draining the go-ahead free throws with 10.4 ticks left on the clock.

“It was during their (NLEX) last play when Asi (Taulava) set a pick and roll play and I got caught,” Thompson explained in Filipino what had happened right after the game, saying the pain was on and off. “When I moved a second time it hurt.” 

Cone said Thompson “might be available” for Ginebra’s last elimination round match against Talk ’N Text on Sunday, December 20. The Gin Kings are currently 6-4 at 5th place in the standings. 

“He’s a prized possession for us. We’re going to make sure we take care of him and we’ll give him all the time he needs to recover,” Cone said of the rookie Sunday. “We just don’t want to mess around with a young guy like that who’s got so much promise and potential.” 

Thompson has certainly proven his value so far as his game-winning charities completed an inspired Ginebra comeback from 22 points down in the third period. 

Fueled by the raucous throng of Ginebra fans inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Gin Kings rallied in the final frame with Thompson and Dave Marcelo leading the charge. 

“I just kept thinking Ginebra is all about ‘Never Say Die’. I just thought we could still do this as long as we cut the deficit,” Thompson shared some of his thoughts as Ginebra stared at NLEX’s double-digit lead. “But the crowd, we were down 15 points but it was like it was a close game. The crowd is one of our strengths.”

Thompson, who has quickly risen as a Ginebra fan favorite in just his first conference, scored all 14 of his points in the second half to go with 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

He is currently averaging 5.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. – Rappler.com