Slaughter eyes 2023 World Cup, open to Ginebra return

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Greg Slaughter is currently without a team in the PBA, but that doesn’t mean he is already giving up on returning be it with a club or with the national team.

In an interview with SunStar Cebu, Slaughter said he’s been busy training in the United States to improve his game and his main goal is to compete for a spot on the Philippine team roster for the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup.

“As a basketball player, it’s my job to always stay ready. My PBA career was uncertain with no word on a contract but playing for the national team has always been a top priority for me and something i look forward to, and want to be prepared for,” said Slaughter in the report.

The 7-foot center has had several spells with Gilas Pilipinas with his last one back in December in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games where the country easily bagged the gold at home.

He also helped Ginebra win the 2019 Governors’ Cup, the team’s third title in the conference and fourth overall in four years.

Slaughter, however, made a surprise sabbatical last February and went to the US after his contract with the Gin Kings ended.

The 32-year-old Slaughter, though, cleared he is not closing his door on coming back with Ginebra, which he claimed did not offer him a deal even after his contract had expired at the end of January.

“I’m open to retuning to the PBA in the future,” said Slaughter. “I love the fans who have been supporting me through everything and the ‘Never Say Die’ spirit will always be a part of me. Of course, I am open to playing for Ginebra in the future.”