Thompson sustains hand injury  

MANILA, Philippines — Injury woes continue to hound Gilas Pilipinas.

Playmaker Scottie Thompson, one the 14 relatively healthy Gilas players who made it to the training camp in Europe, was the latest victim as he suffered a hand injury that may jeopardize his stint in the FIBA World Cup.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas reported Thompson sustained a “metacarpal fracture” during the Gilas practice in Kaunas, Lithuania.

“Thompson was immediately brought to the hospital for an X-ray where the fracture was confirmed,” the SBP shared on its Facebook page yesterday.

“He will be seeing a hand specialist after the team’s arrival in Manila to determine the timeline of his return,” the federation added.

Meanwhile, the SBP and Gatorade have sealed a partnership making the sports drink as a major local sponsor in the 32-team competition set to start Aug. 25.

“We at Gatorade are excited to join the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. With this partnership, Gatorade will bring basketball closer to all through FIBA, fueling both athletes and fans in this once-in-a-lifetime event as the World’s No. 1 Sports Drink,” said Ray Pine, marketing director of PepsiCo Philippines.

“Is there any athlete anywhere in the world that hasn’t enjoyed at one time or another the taste of Gatorade?” said SBP Chairman Emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan, FIBA Central Board member and chairman and CEO of Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

“Gatorade and FIBA World Cup 2023 is a union of what’s best in global sports. They complement each other. And this partnership will go a long way in ensuring the success of our hosting this prestigious event.”