Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
The Philippine men’s basketball team will be bringing good news with them when they leave for Tehran, Iran less than a week from now.
Facing the mighty Iranians at the start of the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, the Philippines will at least have someone to look Iran’s 7-foot-2 center Hamed Haddadi in the eye with Greg Slaughter in tow.
Slaughter on Saturday announced he has been cleared by Fiba to represent the Philippines as a local anew.
I just found out FIBA has approved my eligibility as a local! Couldn’t be happier about this, thank you to SBP and FIBA for paving the way. I’m looking forward to beginning a wonderful journey with the national team. Para sa bayan! 🇵🇭
— Greg Slaughter (@GWillSlaughter) September 8, 2018
In a letter written by Fiba addressed to Samahang Basketbol Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios, the basketball’s global governing body has allowed Slaughter to play for the Philippines “without restriction in accordance with article 3-21.b of the FIBA Internal Regulations.”
Fiba also acknowledged that Slaughter obtained a Philippine passport shortly after he turned 16 years old and that he and his family have been living in the country since he was 19. Fiba also took into the account that Slaughter studied in the Philippines and he has been playing in the Philippines for the past 11 years.
With the development, the 7-foot Slaughter will officially make his return to the Philippine squad nearly a decade since suiting up for the original Smart Gilas team.
Team Pilipinas flies to Iran on September 10 three days before taking on Haddadi and company.