MANILA, Philippines – Scottie Thompson will not be donning the national colors in the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Yeng Guiao revealed Thompson has begged off from the national team, with the do-it-all guard citing he wants to hone his craft first before he plays for the flag again. 

“He feels he’s not ready to compete internationally. It is his belief that there are other players who can take his slot and who can perform his role,” Guiao said in mix of Filipino and English. 

The development leaves the Philippine squad looking for quality guards, as veteran Jayson Castro earlier decided he will be skipping the global hoops showdown to focus on his family. 

But Guiao understands and appreciates Thompson – who played 5 games in the Asian Qualifiers and averaged 2.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists – for his reasons. 

“He said that he needs to develop his game, he needs to mature his game in order to play at the standards of the international level,” Guiao said. 

“He wants to get better and improve his skills before he returns to Gilas if ever he is invited. His intention is good. He was humble enough and honest enough to stake the truth unlike other people who make up excuses.”

“That’s what I appreciate – just being straightforward, honest, just being humble to accept that there is somebody out there who can perform better and he will try to improve himself so can get back to the national team.” 

Contending for the spots left by Thompson and Castro are the returning Kiefer Ravena and PBA rookies Robert Bolick and CJ Perez. – Rappler.com