Scottie Thompson joins a growing list of players doubtful to participate in the much-anticipated PBA All-Star Bacolod 2024 next weekend.
The Barangay Ginebra star may no longer see action in the All-Star Game as he wants to focus on recovering from a back injury.
“I doubt sa All-Star aabot,” he admitted moments after the Kings’ 91-73 loss to Meralco.
The defeat snapped their unbeaten two-game winning streak in the Season 48 Philippine Cup, Friday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“April siguro,” the 2021 league MVP added, referring to his target comeback. “For now, wino-work ko ‘yung way na makabalik talaga.”
Thompson was drafted by All-Star captain Japeth Aguilar in a team composed to go up against the squad bannered by Mark Barroca. Aguilar and Barroca emerged as the top two vote-getters for this year’s All-Star Game.
Unfortunately, he may be sitting it out, becoming just the latest to potentially miss the March 23-24 festivities to be held at the City of Smiles.
Team Japeth could also be without Phoenix star Tyler Tio, who suffered a slight fracture on his left ankle during their conference debut versus NorthPort.
Feared to be out for the Rookies-Sophomores-Juniors Game, meanwhile, are Rain or Shine big man Keith Datu and Kyt Jimenez of San Miguel.
Jimenez suffered a freak accident that left him in an arm cast, while Datu is out definitely due to an MCL sprain. That would be two key pieces possibly out for Team Stalwarts, which will be coached by Beermen lead deputy Peter Martin.
No word yet from the league’s office if and when will it field replacements for the aforementioned players.
Thompson would definitely love to see action in the All-Star Game but then again, the focus is to recover from the nagging injury.
“May target ako in mind na sana makabalik talaga, pero so far, sa doctor, wala pa talagang timetable. Been here before. Since college, ito na ‘yung issue ko kaya nag-sit out ako,” the Perpetual product said.
“Alam ko ‘yung pakiramdam na pipilitin maibalik tapos mangyayari ulit na mas lumala. Based on my experience, ayaw ko nang mangyari ulit ‘yun kasi isang taon akong nag-sit out noon, noong time na ‘yun.”
