GREG Slaughter’s return to the PBA appears imminent.
Titan Ultra Giant Risers team owner Bryann Calantoc confirmed to SPIN.ph that his coaching staff has recommended renegotiating with the 7-foot center, whose signing rights the team inherited after acquiring the NorthPort franchise.
According to Calantoc, a post-conference assessment revealed a glaring lack of size in the Giant Risers' rotation, leaving the team vulnerable against opponents with bigger frontlines during their maiden campaign in the PBA.
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“Well, we’re looking at the possibility of activating Slaughter for our next conference, hopefully the negotiations turn out positive this time,” said the 37-year-old businessman and sportsman, who tried - but failed - to come to terms with the former Rookie of the Year awardee in the offseason.
The Pureblends Corp. president told SPIN.ph that he has already been receiving feelers from different teams regarding the possibility of a trade for Slaughter.
Calantoc refused to name the teams but sources bared Phoenix, NLEX and Converge are three of the teams currently looking at Slaughter.
“I’d rather not divulge the names of the teams because basically those are just exploratory. But right now, the priority is to see how Slaughter will complement our current roster,” he said.
Calantoc also bared that his coaching staff will now be closely monitoring the coming the Dubai International Basketball Invitational, where Slaughter will be playing for the MLV-Zamboanga Valientes.
“We will observe the Valientes’ games in Dubai and see how he will fit in our system. We heard Slaughter has been working out so much to improve his game,” he said.
Meanwhile, SPIN.ph caught up with Slaughter during the Valientes’ media day and he bared that all his hard work are geared towards finally returning to the PBA.
“I’ve always been working, from my time away from the PBA, I started working, trying to elevate my game, all the way to Japan and since the MPBL. I haven’t stopped yet,” said Slaughter.
“Just individual work elevated my game with NBA trainers. Been working out with my trainer here, simply grind and also getting international experience in Japan,” he added.
Better version of Slaughter
Asked if he thinks he is a better version of himself from the last time he set foot in the PBA, Slaughter nodded.
“Yeah, definitely, the knowledge, the skills are a little better. Getting up there in age though so I gotta use my mental game more than my physical. But you know, I am still 7 feet tall,” he said.
Slaughter believes he is now mentally tougher and already past the stage where ‘the young Greg thinks he has a lot to prove to himself’.
“Now, I am very confident with myself. Am I a better Greg now? I don’t know, but guess we will find out out there [in Dubai],” he said laughing.
The former Barangay Ginebra big man also shook off notions that his long layoff might affect his game.
“Like I said, it’s been a year off for me since I played, but surely it will be just riding a bike. I did not waste that time just sitting around. I have been working out - hard,” he said.
Slaughter revealed that his motivation now is no longer about proving himself, but about making his family proud and at the same time provide for his three young kids.
“When you’re young especially coming up being able to make the PBA, you want to prove yourself. But that was in my young 20s. Now I am in my 30s, with three kids, I have a lot different perspective now,” he said.
“I still believe I can perform at a high level. I still want to play at a high level and keep up with the PBA especially with my kids coming to an age, it will be nice to show them a few of my games in the PBA. It’s something I want to show them,” Slaughter added.
Asked why he still hopes for a PBA return and not explore other opportunities, Slaughter had a quick reply.
“I love the PBA, I love Philippine basketball so much that I don’t want to trade it with another. I gave half my life to Philippine basketball, so I want to spend my next few years playing for it,” he said while stressing his availability anytime to play for the national team should he be called up.
“There is no greater chance to serve your country than to play for the flag. I am a Filipino basketball player all my life so that’s what I will always be,” he said.
Meanwhile, Calantoc bared that they have already inquired in the PBA regarding reports that Slaughter is on a mythical ‘silent ban list’.
“Wala naman daw. Hindi daw totoo yun. So, if ever maka-seal kami ng deal kay Greg, they will allow him to play. So, I am hoping time will come we can have him play for us and wear our Titan Ultra white, gold and black jersey,” said Calantoc.
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