Manila Bulletin

Slaughter signs up with Jokic group

Brgy. Ginebra coach Cone unsure how Slaughter signing up affects his PBA return

- By JONAS TERRADO

Greg Slaughter announced yesterday his signing with a top internatio­nal basketball agency in a move that may dim the prospect of an immediate PBA comeback.

Slaughter said on his Instagram that he will join BeoBasket, an agency owned by Serbian Misko Raznatovic. BeoBasket represents several NBA and European cagers, including Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic.

“I am very happy to announce that I’ve signed with @misko4razn­atovic (Raznatovic’s Instagram account), owner of BeoBasket, the biggest internatio­nal basketball agency in the world,” Slaughter said.

“They represent many athletes whom I greatly admire that compete in the NBA, EuroLeague, and Asia. They also represente­d the most number of players competing in the 2019 World Cup and I look forward to adding to that in 2023!”

The deal came months after Slaughter said that he was never offered a contract extension by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel management, subsequent­ly leaving for the United States to “take a break from basketball.”

Ginebra coach Tim Cone said in last week’s episode of “Coaches Unfiltered” that he heard unconfirme­d reports that Slaughter is eyeing a possible stint in the NBA G-League.

But Slaughter told a Cebu-based newspaper that he has been busy training at the DME Sports Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida in hopes of earning a slot with Gilas Pilipinas for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

The 32-year-old Slaughter has been frequently posting Instagram stories of him being trained at the said academy by Gary Boyson, a former NBA scout.

By joining BeoBasket, there’s a chance that Slaughter may attract better opportunit­ies overseas.

“I am also extremely honored to be the first Filipino player in their (BeoBasket) roster,” said Slaughter. “Wherever my journey takes me, I will always proudly represent the Philippine­s, especially our National Team.

“I will forever be humbled by the opportunit­ies basketball and its fans have given me. Salamat sa patuloy na pag suporta,” he added.

Asked about Slaughter’s signing, Cone admitted that he’s unsure what it would mean as far as a future return with Ginebra is concerned.

“I’m very happy for him,” Cone said. “But I don’t know what that means regarding his return to

Ginebra. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

 ??  ?? Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s Greg Slaughter, right, towers over Meralco Bolts import Allen Durham in this file photo during the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup Finals. (PBA Images)
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s Greg Slaughter, right, towers over Meralco Bolts import Allen Durham in this file photo during the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup Finals. (PBA Images)
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