Even if his health status has yet to reach 100 percent due to a severely hurt ankle, Greg Slaughter is already keen on coming back to the fold for the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel for their 2018 Philippine Cup semifinals clash with the San Miguel Beermen.
The towering seven-foot slotman, who has recently recovered from a strained hamstring, has been on the sidelines yet again due to a sprained ankle, which he acquired during one of the Gin Kings’ practices just last week.
“We’re planning to get back next week,” he said. “We’re hoping that the other series would have [extended] so we could have played [Game One] tomorrow or Sunday but, here we are. We’re doing everything to get back as soon as I can.
“Just taking it day by day, as soon as I can jump on it, I’ll be out there.”
The 28-year-old also admitted that his injury has been truly painful.
“The swelling’s going down but it’s still very painful. I can’t run or jump on it right now so obviously I can’t play,” shared the Ateneo de Manila product.
Still, Ginebra head coach Tim Cone is not rushing his big man back. Slaughter, who is averaging 16.71 points and 10.43 rebounds for the conference, has been away from the court since February 18.
“We don’t know yet. He’s day to day were hoping to get him back at some point. I can’t tell you if he can be ready next game or not,” disclosed the multi-titled head coach. “He hasn’t gotten back on the court yet. At this point, it’s still gonna be a couple of days, at least, before we get him back.
“He would really help out, obviously.”
What really pushes Slaughter to return to the Barangay is his eagerness to boost his team’s chances this semis. His absence was greatly felt as they lost to the Beermen, 90-102, in Game One, Friday at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“Now’s the time to play,” said Slaughter, who was averaging 16.7 points and 10.4 rebounds before sitting out. “So I’m trying to get back in there, maybe force it a little bit… I believe we can still do it. It’s just a really tall order.
“San Miguel’s a three-time defending champion and it will just help if we [give] everything we got.”
