GREG Slaughter has his eyes set on playing an integral part for the Gilas Pilipinas side that will compete in the FIBA Basketball World Cup come 2023.
The former Ginebra big man also said he is open to a return to the PBA and Barangay Ginebra on Friday in his very first comments since stunning the basketball world by announced he was taking a sabbatical from basketball back in February.
The 7-foot slotman out of University of Visayas and Ateneo also shared that he is currently training regularly under Gary Boyson at one of the top sports training facilities in the world — the DME Sports Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida.
“I was able to link up with a two-time NBA champion who had first visited me in Cebu 12 years ago, 2008, and been at a beautiful training facility here in Daytona Beach, Florida,” said the Cebuano big man.
“We’ve been very fortunate to be working daily on things that make me a better player, which I haven’t had an opportunity to do in recent years in the PBA. I am getting great results from my daily training with Gary Boyson which is preparing me for what I hope is a leadership role in 2023,” Slaughter added.
Boyson has worked in scouting for the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks since 2001.
Slaughter said that while his professional basketball career remains uncertain, what is unwavering is his commitment to the national team which he has served in numerous occasions, the most recent of which was in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games where Gilas won the gold medal.
“As a basketball player, it’s my job to always stay ready. My PBA career was uncertain with no word on a contract but playing for the Philippine national team has always been a top priority for me and something I look forward to and want to be prepared for,” said the 32-year old.
Slaughter described his last dealing with Ginebra as “strange” given the seamless nature of previous contract negotiations.
“I was not offered a deal by Ginebra even after my contract expired at the end of January. I found it strange because [in] previous contract dealings, I was well informed ahead of time,” shared Slaughter.
On Thursday, Ginebra coach Tim Cone bared that he heard from third-party sources that Slaughter plans to try out for an NBA G League team.
While there has been interest in the 7-foot big man from foreign teams, Slaughter said his focus remains on the Philippine team.
“I’ve made tremendous gains in my daily training and playing internationally is not out of the question,” Slaughter said. “There is interest globally but the only team I am targeting for sure is the Philippine national team.”
Slaughter also said he is open to returning to the PBA and Ginebra.
“I am open to returning to the PBA in the future. I love the fans who have supported me through everything and the ‘Never Say Die’ spirit will always be a part of me. Of course, I am open to playing for Ginebra in the future,” said Slaughter.
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