Gilas needs to be ‘on same page’ ahead of World Cup opener, says Scottie Thompson

Gilas Pilipinas guard Scottie Thompson.

Gilas Pilipinas will start its campaign in the Fiba World Cup on Friday and for Scottie Thompson, the Nationals need to be on the same page to get its desired outcome.

And despite coming from back-to-back losses in its last tuneup games, Thompson said that Gilas Pilipinas just needs to stay on course.

“There are still a lot of things to improve on our game. But the most important thing here is that we need to be on the same page on what we need to do as a team,” the 6-foot-1 Ginebra guard in the PBA said in a mix of English and Filipino.

“I think it is better for us to have the same target in the game,” Thompson added. “We need to be on the same page to be better in our coming first game.”

Gilas lost to the Montenegrins, 102-87, and the Mexicans, 84-77, in the last stretch of tune-up games heading into the World Cup.

“It’s hard to lose even though those are just tuneup games, [but] we learn from it and hopefully we can improve coming to our actual game,” the reigning PBA Most Valuable Player said as the Gilas crew faces NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves star forward Karl-Anthony Towns-led Dominican Republic in the opening day at Philippine Arena.

The Nationals, who will be led by Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson, are also grouped with Angola and world No. 10 Italy.

“We’ve been together for a while and we already went through a lot, especially off the court. We really know each other so hopefully we could bring that chemistry on the court during the games,” Thompson said.

“This is what it takes. We will give all that we’ve got, whatever it takes.

Thompson said the team members take their responsibility to the flag and their fellow Filipinos seriously.

“The coaching staff, especially coach Chot (Reyes) always points out how important, how inspiring it is to play for the country … hopefully we’ll make our kababayans proud,” Thompson said.