Gilas Pilipinas guard Scottie Thompson throughout a sport in opposition to New Zealand within the second window of the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers at Mall of Asia Area.—MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web
MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone made positive to name out the doubters who criticized Scottie Thompson’s nationwide workforce inclusion.
Cone fired again on the naysayers on the heels of Thompson’s stellar outing that helped Gilas beat powerhouse New Zealand, 93-89, within the second window of the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers on Thursday evening at Mall of Asia Area.
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“I bear in mind when there was a time when folks had been saying that Scottie can’t play within the worldwide video games,” stated Cone.
READ: Gilas Pilipinas beats New Zealand for first time in Fiba competitors
“Lots of people had been saying that as a result of ‘he can’t shoot’ however in my thoughts there’s by no means been any doubt and in his thoughts, there’s additionally by no means been any doubt.”
Thompson confirmed why he’s very important to Gilas’ success, amassing 12 factors, 4 rebounds and 6 assists in his return to nationwide workforce responsibility after lacking the Olympic Qualifying Event on account of a again damage.
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Greater than Thompson’s numbers, Cone was additionally impressed with the playmaker’s effort on each ends that didn’t find yourself on the stat sheet.
“His protection is spot-on, his hustle can be spot-on and he’s actually, actually labored laborious on enhancing his shot and he’s not a man you may simply step off of anymore,” stated Cone, who guided the Nationals to a 3-0 document within the continental qualifiers.
READ: Gilas not in ‘finest workforce’ type but even with win over New Zealand
Thompson’s all-around efficiency additionally didn’t come as a shock to Cone.
“He’s been that triple-double machine ever since he was in Perpetual so to me, it’s not a shock. Nonetheless, simply because it’s not a shock doesn’t make it wonderful. The issues he does are nonetheless wonderful.”
Cone appears to be like to steer Gilas to a different victory at dwelling in opposition to Hong Kong on Sunday on the similar venue.