As the national men’s basketball team left for Tehran today, coach Yeng Guiao took time to focus how the guards of the team will provide leadership.
So far, Scottie Thompson, Alex Cabagnot and Marcio Lassitter are living up to expectations,
“I’m really happy with the progress of the guards like Cabagnot, Scottie Thompson and Marcio [Lassiter]. For the bigs like Ian Sangalang, Japeth [Aguilar] and Greg [Slaughter], the plays are a little bit complicated from the standpoint of the bigs so it will take a little bit time for the bigs to understand,” said Guiao.
On the other hand, Slaughter will be sidelined with an ankle injury, but he will still make the trip to Iran.
As for Thompson, it has been awhile since he last wore the national colors.
But the Barangay Ginebra star is keen on making the most out of his opportunity to be with Team Pilipinas.
He is expected to lead the way in running plays when they see action in the second round of FIBA World Qualifiers this Sept. 13 against Iran in Tehran and against Qatar in Manila on Sept. 17.
Thompson last suited up the national team in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games and in the Southeast Asian Basketball Association championship in Singapore.
On both occasions, he was fortunate to have helped the team deliver a gold.