THE return of Greg Slaughter has enhanced NLEX’s chances of asserting its supremacy in the PBA D-League following a gloomy start in the Foundation Cup.
Road Warriors coach Boyet Fernandez said Slaughter approached management last Saturday about the possibility of returning to the team after earlier begging off from suiting up in the conference to concentrate on his studies at Ateneo and his commitment with Gilas Pilipinas.
Management readily said yes, Fernandez said.
“He had wanted to play in the playoffs but we told Greg to first get used to the team again,” said Fernandez, who had just returned to the country after joining San Beda in its annual summer training in the US. “He was the one who really wanted to come back.”
Slaughter’s absence had clearly set back the Road Warriors' bid for a fifth straight crown as they lost their first two games. But NLEX eventually settled down and got back on track.
Based on the reports of the coaching staff that oversaw practices over the weekend, Fernandez said Slaughter didn’t miss a beat after rejoining the team on Sunday.
The Road Warriors are currently on an eight-game winning streak, capped by a 103-86 rout of EA Regen Medical Group in Slaughter's first game back which the seven-footer marked with 16 points and six rebounds.
“I really appreciated the effort. He is in shape and mature. I like his intensity,” said Fernandez. “We appreciate that he came back and gave us a chance to defend our title.”
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