TIM Cone credited Scottie Thompson and CJ Perez for answering the call despite entering Gilas Pilipinas’ crucial World Cup qualifier with physical concerns.
Thompson returned to action after recovering from a serious hamstring injury and played a key role in the Philippines’ thrilling 82-81 overtime victory over Jordan at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Cone said Thompson’s value goes beyond scoring, particularly when it comes to getting the team into its offensive sets and making plays when needed.
“He knows how to get teams into execution, and he will make big shots or get to the rim when he needs to,” Cone said.
The Gilas coach also revealed just how difficult Thompson’s road back had been.
“He came off a really bad hamstring injury. Really bad,” Cone said. “You can see the bruising on the outside of his leg, so it took him a while to recover.”
Thompson’s return became even more important with Gilas already dealing with the absence of naturalized star Justin Brownlee.
But he was not the only player who had to overcome uncertainty to join the national team.
Cone said Perez had also missed the final three games of his PBA stint and that the coaching staff was not even sure whether he would be able to report for national team duty.
“CJ was not playing the last, what, three games in the PBA, and we weren’t even sure if he was going to join us,” Cone said.
“And we had to make a bunch of calls to confirm that he was going to come in and play with us.”
Perez eventually delivered 16 points and several crucial plays before fouling out in overtime, while Thompson contributed defensively as Gilas fought back from an 18-point deficit.
For Cone, having both veterans push through their respective setbacks was a major factor in Gilas’ hard-earned victory.
Now, with Iran waiting on Sunday, their availability and ability to contribute could once again prove crucial as the Philippines continues its fight to stay alive in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 qualifying race. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
