Scottie Thompson sidelined, Gomez de Liaño added to Gilas squad

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Scottie Thompson in action during the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup. He is out of the Gilas Pilipinas roster for the upcoming window of the 2027 Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Fresh off winning another championship in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Barangay Ginebra guard Scottie Thompson was expected to spearhead Gilas Pilipinas in the third window of the 2027 Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

That, however, won’t be the case come July.

On Friday, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced that Converge guard Juan Gomez de Liaño will replace Thompson in the Gilas’ Final 12 after the Ginebra star sustained an injury during the PBA Finals against TNT.

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Gilas Pilipinas’ Juan Gomez de Liaño during a game against New Zealand in the Fiba World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“Due to an injury to Scottie Thompson, Juan Gomez de Liaño will take his spot and be part of the Final 12 for the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Window 3,” the SBP said in a Facebook post.

According to Thompson’s wife, Jinky, via an Instagram story, the former league MVP played through an ailing hamstring throughout the seven-game series against the Tropang 5G.

Despite the injury, Thompson delivered a steady string of performances that helped Ginebra capture its first title since 2023.

The PBA 50 Greatest Players member also won the Finals MVP award after averaging 10 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.3 steals entering Game 7.

In the decider, he finished with 19 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists to secure his third Finals MVP plum.

His efforts ultimately came at a cost, with Gomez de Liaño now set to fill the void for Gilas, which carries a 2-2 record in the qualifiers.