Gilas exec defends Scottie Thompson from critics

Gilas Pilipinas guard Scottie Thompson looks on during a game against Jordan in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Alfrancis Chua came to the defense of Scottie Thompson after a portion of the fans focused on his five-second inbound violation that almost cost Gilas Pilipinas a victory over Jordan in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

The Gilas project director and team manager took offense at how Thompson was ridiculed for the miscue instead of being credited for the way he defended Jordan naturalized player Jalen Harris which helped Gilas eke out an 82-81 overtime win at Mall of Asia Arena.

“Defense buong game sa star ng Jordan, hindi niyo nakita (He defended the star player of Jordan, you didn’t see it)?” Chua, also the San Miguel Corporation sports director and team governor of Thompson’s PBA team Barangay Ginebra, said on Saturday through his Facebook page.

Thompson scored just one point with six rebounds and three assists, but took the assignment of guarding Harris, who came into the contest averaging 23.3 points in the Qualifiers.

Harris dropped 19 points, but was 6-of-22 from the field, and hardly scored in the second half for the Jordanians.

READ: Thompson’s ‘Scottie Things’ for Gilas draw praise from Tim Cone

THEY DISMISS ALL THE OTHER STUFF THAT HE DOES

Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone hails Scottie Thompson’s defensive effort in last night’s overtime win over Jordan #FIBAWC @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/sAxIPtFR1R

— Jonas Terrado (@jonasterradoINQ) August 29, 2026

Coach Tim Cone later praised Thompson for doing the “Scottie Things,” something that critics hardly see.

Meanwhile, Rain or Shine’s Adrian Nocum, a candidate for selection to the Gilas roster for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, also backed Thompson’s performance.

“Hindi nila nakita yung depensa mo, idol (They didn’t notice your defense, idol)!” Nocum said.