After 19 months, Greg Slaughter returns to Manila Clasico

February 28, 2016. Sunday.

The SMART-Araneta Coliseum was packed to the rafters. Another Manila Clasico bout had ensued, and after 48 minutes, the Barangay Ginebra faithful were jubilant as they had reigned victorious, 92-87, over the Star Hotshots.

Since then, a lot has happened between the rivals during that span — there are some new faces on the bench from both sides, while the two teams figured in a classic semifinals series last February.

But for Greg Slaughter, it was the last time he took part in a Clasico bout.

The seven-foot big man was reduced to being a spectator for 10 long months, all because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, which he incurred in September of last year.

Now that his knee has recovered, Slaughter will finally be able to get his feet wet again in the historic rivalry bout, and he looks forward to the huge game ahead that will take place also at the Big Dome.

“It’s a big game for us,” said the 29-year-old Cebuano.

“We’re both up there (standings) with one loss [each], so it’s gonna be a big game.”

The Gin Kings are now on a roll with a league-best five-game winning streak. Collecting their sixth straight victory will definitely be a tough task, but Slaughter remains optimistic.

“Hopefully [we get] another win,” said the Cleveland, Ohio-born cager, who is averaging 14.5 points and 10.5 rebounds.

“That’s what we’re coming in every game — just looking to get the wins to put us in a good position for the playoffs.”