CHICAGO - How does a 7-foot star with a giant personality just randomly vanish from the spotlight?
He hides in plain sight.
Which is exactly what Greg Slaughter has been doing since May, rediscovering the beatitudes of playing basketball.
"The MPBL has been great and I've really been enjoying playing for Manila Batang Sampaloc. It's like the Japan B.League and other leagues around the world. It has teams representing cities in the country and they play under FIBA rules," Slaughter told me.
"Manila Batang Sampaloc is a great organization that any player would enjoy playing for. Our court is one of the better ones I've played in the Philippines and we have PhysioSpa, a top-of-the-line treatment center, in the same building (R Center Banawe)."
The pay is good, too.
The bubble wrap of happiness has unveiled a familiar wrecking machine that once stomped its way to five collegiate titles, four pro championships, and a wall full of personal accolades.
GREGZILLA.
Although he had a late start due to contractual obligations with the Rizing Zephyr of Fukuoka, Greg has been devastatingly dominant in the MPBL.
Logging 22.9 minutes per outing, the former University of the Visayas Green Lancer and Ateneo Blue Eagle is averaging 15.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, while hitting 67.4 percent of his shots in 12 games. His team is 11-1 when he suits up and 16-6 overall.
But he isn't too excited yet. Having been to the Promised Land and back so many times before, he understands how much more toil is needed.
"It's a long journey to build and work together as a group to try and accomplish something special that only comes once a year," he said.
This is the level of professionalism, drive, and commitment that has endeared the 258 lbs center to team management.
"He's great. He's awesome with everyone; teammates, coaches, utility staff, and his fans, especially the kids. He's one big cool guy," Roman Ang, one of the owners of Manila, said.
So yeah, the oft-maligned and sometimes-trolled celebrity-athlete is being viewed unfairly in the public lens. Once you peel the complex layers of his stardom, however, all you'll find is a nice guy lurking inside.
GIRLDAD.
Born to win, with so many trophies in his collection, Slaughter sealed his biggest and most precious catch last December 2020 when he married the love of his life, Schinina Juban, a former movie and TV personality.
Blessed with their first child, Stelina, in February 2022, the young couple welcomed another daughter, Paloma, who was born in Japan in December 2023.
The sisters look adorably gorgeous, glamorous as pomp and pageantry, which isn't a surprise considering that their mom starred in the famous show "Fashionistas by Heart."
"Fatherhood is one of the best things to ever happen to me," the notoriously private 'Gregzilla' said, revealing a softer, gentler side he rarely exudes.
Aside from being healthy and playing beautiful basketball in a wonderful workplace, Slaughter has a growing family to be thankful for.
I almost ruined the good vibes by asking if a reunion in the PBA is still possible.
Much to my surprise, and perhaps glee to Ginebra Nation, this is what he replied.
"Never Say Die!"
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