SBP won’t rush Slaughter's comeback
MANILA, Philippines — Despite being cleared by FIBA to play as a local, Greg Slaughter will miss the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifying game against Iran in Tehran on Thursday.
In a statement made by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, president Al Panlilio revealed that the 7-foot Slaughter will be missing and indefinite number of national team duties following an injury he incurred in a PBA game against NorthPort last week.
“It is unfortunate that Greg Slaughter’s injury has not fully healed,” the statement read. “There is still swelling and contusion on his left ankle.”
The Barangay Ginebra center got tangled midair with Batang Pier’s Sean Anthony, causing the former Gin King fall out of balance and land awkwardly. Slaughter was slow to get up and was subbed out for the remainder of the fourth quarter of the game.
“We are very cautious not to rush his comeback as we don’t want to further aggravate his condition,” Panlilio added.
Slaughter had been sidelined multiple times in the past, putting on hold his headto-head matchups with four-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo. Those foot and knee injuries also hindered the Filipino-American big man from suiting up in multiple iterations of the national team, and taking from the fans away a sight of playing alongside his Cebuano rival in the latter.
We expect a more complete roster in our future tournaments when Fajardo and Slaughter are ready to serve and play together for flag and country,” Panlilio closed.
Fajardo, who is one of the three cagers left unscathed from the July 2 incident’s suspensions, is also missing National team tour of duty following a stress fracture to his right shin. —