GREG Slaughter's desire to play for Gilas Pilipinas at the 2023 FIBA World Cup is a welcome development for the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
Butch Antonio, the SBP director for operations, said the 7-foot Slaughter will be a great addition to the national pool being put together for the world basketball championship to be co-hosted by the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia three years from now.
“He’s qualified to play for our (national) team,” said Antonio of the Barangay Ginebra big man, who has been in the US undergoing extensive training even before the COVID-19 lockdown was imposed after a taking a sabbatical from the PBA.
Just last week, the veteran center out of Ateneo expressed interest in suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas in the next edition of the World Cup, adding that ‘playing for the national team has always been a priority.’
The 32-year-old, who was granted a special exemption by Fiba even if he failed to secure a Philippine passport before turning 16, has suited up for the national team several times, the last during the 30th Southeast Asian Games last December where the country won the basketball gold medal.
Slaughter also disclosed he regularly works out under Gary Boyson at the DME Sports Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida the past few months while he’s in the U.S. during the pandemic.
SBP special assistant to the president Ryan Gregorio said Slaughter’s heft and height will be vital for the Philippine squad.
“That’s definitely a great development. The height of Greg would obviously be an important addition to our national team,” said Gregorio in the Sports Page show aired over TV5 (6 p.m.) and One Sports (7 p.m.) every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
“You just do not get that 7-footer out of nowhere.”
The SBP has put together the cornerstones of the pool through a special PBA draft
While he feels Slaughter will be a huge addition to the pool, Antonio said everything will still depend on the Gilas coaching staff.
“Nasa mga coaches na yan if he will be invited to be part of the pool,” said the SBP official.
Gregorio is hoping Slaughter is going to be considered.
“He has signified his intention to play. If he is available for that particular spot, then the coaches decide if there is a space for him,” said the three-time PBA champion coach. “Of course by all means, we will embrace him.”
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