Slaughter withdraws from Smart Gilas Pilipinas training pool

Greg Slaughter. Nuki Sabio/PBA

MANILA, Philippines — Ginebra rookie Greg Slaughter has begged off from Smart Gilas Pilipinas training pool for the Fiba World Cup.

Slaughter made the announcement before the Kings’ opening game versus Barako Bull at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday night.

Slaughter, who was also part of last year’s pool for the Fiba Asia Championships, was among the additions for the World Cup along with Paul Lee, Jared Dillinger, and Marcio Lassiter.

He said that he was giving up his spot because he thinks that the 12 players who made history in August should be the ones to don the country’s colors in Spain.

“I know the feeling of people coming in to something you’ve already started. I think what they started back in August, I think those 12 should be the ones to go on and represent the country.”

“I just feel like it’s right that the people who started that, they worked so hard, I think they deserve this.”

Slaughter said he has informed national team head coach Chot Reyes of his decision last Monday before the nationals first-ever practice at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

“He was the first person I talked to about it. Coach Chot is a very understanding person. He respected my decision and he said it was okay,” he said.

But Slaughter cleared that he is still open to playing for the national team after the Fiba World Cup and the Asian Games.

“Any future national team opportunities after that I’d be willing to play for.”

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