Greg Slaughter. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines — Greg Slaughter has signed a deal with the Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka in Japan B.League Division 2.
The 7-foot center was welcomed by Fukuoka on Saturday.
“Hello everyone, I am really excited to play for the great city of Fukuoka and the fans! Thank you for all the support and I can’t wait to see you all,” said Slaughter in a statement.
#RIZINGZEPHYRFUKUOKA announces that we have made a contract with @GWillSlaughter for B.LEAGUE 2022-2023 season.
Player's comment
I am really excited to play for all of fans!Whole comment is here▼https://t.co/BBM62Uy2AE
— ライジングゼファーフクオカ (@rz_fukuoka) July 9, 2022
“I’m thrilled to announce that I have signed with Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka (@rz_fukuoka) of the B League for the 2022-2023 AND 2023-2024 seasons 🇯🇵 I’m looking forward to joining the team and playing for their great city and fans,” Slaughter wrote on his Instagram Saturday.
“Thank you to everyone involved in making this possible and thank you to the club for being so welcoming and generous to me and my family!! Most of all, thank you to all that believe in me. Please continue supporting me on this journey and the Rizing Zephyr! Let’s do this!!” he added.
The former No.1 overall pick in the 2013 PBA Draft last played for NorthPort in last year’s Governors’ Cup, only seeing action in four games and averaging 14.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks.
Slaughter’s contract with the Batang Pier expired last January 31.
Fukuoka is elated to have the 34-year-old big man in its bid to rise from a 20-30 record last season.
“Taking advantage of the privileged height of 7 footers, he is a player who has won various titles,” said General Manager Kuraichi Aikawa. “I’m also very excited (for him) to be active in offense and defensive, but I hope that the mentality of the winning team will also be brought to the team.”
Slaughter will join two more Filipinos in B2 with Kobe Paras having a fresh start with the Altiri Chiba and former Taipei import Jordan Heading taking his act to Nagasaki Velca.