If you’re wondering what Greg Slaughter has been up to these past few months then you’ll be happy to know that he’s busy training at the DME Sports Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida with nothing less than making the Philippine National Team as his ultimate goal.
“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 Philippine national team has always been a top priority for me and something I look forward to and want to be prepared for,” said the 32-year-old in a SunStar Cebu exclusive.
Slaughter stunned basketball fans last February by announcing that he was stepping away from basketball. He vanished from the public eye and apparently flew home to the US to avoid further controversy.
“I was able to link up with a two-time NBA champion who had first visited me in Cebu 12 years ago, 2008, and been at a beautiful training facility here in Daytona Beach, Florida,” said Slaughter.
“We’ve been very fortunate to be working daily on things that make me a better player, which I haven’t had an opportunity to do in recent years in the PBA. I am getting great results from my daily training with Gary Boyson which is preparing me for what I hope is a leadership role in 2023.”
Boyson is an NBA scout who has worked for a number of teams, including the Toronto Raptors, the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks. The year 2023 is when the Philippines will host the World Cup of basketball.
Slaughter gave a hint for his reason for leaving when he described his last dealing with Barangay Ginebra.
“I was not offered a deal by Ginebra even after my contract expired at the end of January. I found it strange because (in) previous contract dealings, I was well informed ahead of time,” said Slaughter.
He was quick to add though that he is not closing the door to a return to Ginebra and the PBA.
“I am open to returning to the PBA in the future. I love the fans who have supported 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.”
