After battling injury these past few weeks, Gilas Pilipinas guard Scottie Thompson affirmed he is ready to give his all for the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup.

The 30-year-old star says he is grateful given how fast his healing process for his metacarpal fracture went.

“First of all, nagpapasalamat ako kay Lord na binigyan Niya ako ng mabilis na recovery,” Thompson remarked.

Despite being sidelined for their subsequent trips after their European tour, the Barangay Ginebra star did not rest on his laurels and continued to keep in shape for his eventual return.

“Nung nasa China sila, madami kaming ginawa. Nagpa-kondisyon ako, so para pagbalik nila, maging ready ako. ‘Yun nga ‘yung nangyari. So sobrang blessed lang na just in time nakabalik ako, tapos nakasali sa World Cup,” Thompson said after Gilas’ open practice last Tuesday, August 22.

Claiming that he is now at a hundred percent, the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA legend is very thankful for still being in consideration for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play in front of the Filipino faithful.

“Ang iniisip ko na talaga ngayon is, minsan lang mangyari ‘to sa Pilipinas, sa buhay ko. So talagang all out ako — kami — dito. Kasi ‘di namin alam kung kelan ulit magkakaroon ng World Cup na home court natin,” Thompson said.

“Ine-enjoy ko lang ‘yung moment na to, chine-cherish ko,” he added.

Thompson and the rest of Gilas Pilipinas will open their World Cup campaign against the Dominican Republic this Friday, August 25, at the Philippine Arena at 8:00 p.m. (GMA Integrated News)