SCOTTIE Thompson made his return to Barangay Ginebra on Friday, but head coach Tim Cone admitted the veteran guard still has plenty of work to do after showing signs of rust.
Thompson struggled offensively in Ginebra’s 97-88 loss to Meralco, going just 1-of-6 from the field in his first game back.
“It was nice to have Scottie back, but obviously he was really rusty. He struggled tonight,” Cone said.
The Ginebra coach acknowledged that the team could have used more production from Thompson, particularly as the Gin Kings tried to keep pace with Meralco’s strong second half.
“We could have used some more scoring from him tonight,” Cone said.
Still, Cone isn’t concerned about Thompson’s slow start and expects the former PBA MVP to regain his form with more time on the court.
“But like I said, he’ll get his game going. It’s like all of us. He’ll get his game going,” Cone said.
The defeat came as Ginebra closed the first stretch of the Governors’ Cup with a 2-4 record, while Meralco improved to 3-5 behind the debut of import Jordan Varnado.
For Cone, Thompson’s return is another piece that should eventually help Ginebra regain its identity after a difficult stretch.
“We all know what Scottie’s all about,” Cone said.
With the extended break now giving Thompson additional time to recover and sharpen his game, Ginebra will hope the return of one of its key leaders can help spark a stronger run when the Governors’ Cup resumes. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
