Greg Slaughter, after nine long months of recuperating from an ACL injury, finally suited up in full uniform for the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel against the Globalport Batang Pier, Tuesday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
The 6-foot-11 behemoth, who was activated on the roster this Monday, may not have played even for a second in Ginebra’s 96-85 victory, but his mere presence was already enough to lift the Barangay’s spirit high.
And the Ateneo alumnus could not be more elated with his return.
“Good! Just to be on court with my teammates, be back on the bench, that was really an exciting time,” said the 29-year-old Cebuano moments after the bout, who last played in the 2016 Governor’s Cup.
“I can’t wait to play again.”
Making Slaughter more excited to come back is his reunion with fellow giant Japeth Aguilar, which will reconstruct the Barangay’s formidable twin towers.
“I can’t wait to get back there and help him out, get back to our synergy where we’re helping each other out. Just two really dominant bigs out there together,” he said.
Aguilar though assured Slaughter that they won’t pressure his frontcourt-mate to rush back.
“I’m really excited to see him play pero no pressure, I want him to take his time.
“Gusto ko sana unti-untiin niya,” Aguilar expressed.
Asked when he will see action on the court once more, Slaughter did not give out anything certain.
“I’m very confident on my return and I’m just excited to get back there with the guys,” voiced Slaugter.
“We’ll leave that as a surprise. I feel pretty ready now. We’ll see what happens.”
