Scottie in Guiao’s mind as Fiba windows approach

JAKARTA—Yeng Guiao used to breed and race horses for a hobby.

And when asked about the possibility of Scottie Thompson joining the next Fiba World Cup Qualifying team Guiao blurted out an answer which every jockey works for to get his mount in the best position to win.

“He’s by the rail entering the homestretch,” Guiao told the Inquirer in Filipino.

Fans have used social media to clamor for Thompson’s inclusion just hours after the Inquirer broke a report of some players on Guiao’s wish list.

“I am definitely considering him,” Guiao added. The fiery mentor had earlier mentioned Greg Slaughter, Marcio Lassiter and Alex Cabagnot as those he wants on the team. “And for sure, (Scottie) is (Fiba) eligible.”

The PBA, meanwhile, doubled down on its assignment that Guiao can have any player he wants for the coming Fiba windows, where he will take the place of head coach Chot Reyes, who was suspended in the aftermath of the Philippines-Australia brawl during their World Cup-qualifying match last month.

Guiao’s main concern now, though, is whether Slaughter and Lassiter are eligible even as he practically seeded Raymund Almazan and Poy Erram to the team, which has a need for big men that can hit the three-point shot.

“We need big men because of the (June Mar) Fajardo injury,” Guiao said after his Nationals plastered Japan, 113-80, Tuesday to advance to the battle for fifth spot and seal Gilas’ improved performance when the Asian Games were last held in Incheon, South Korea.