Greg Slaughter has finally realized one of his greatest dreams: win a championship in the pro ranks — not as a spectator watching on the sidelines, but as someone who has helped his team accomplish the huge feat.
“We dedicate this championship to Greg,” declared Ginebra’s team governor Alfrancis Chua during the post-game celebration.
“You are now a champion!”
That achievement came on a Friday night in front of 54,086 people at the massive Philippine Arena, as he and the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel successfully reigned supreme in the Governors’ Cup.
“You know I’m also happy last year,” said the 28-year-old slotman, recalling the 2016 Governors’ Cup Finals where he did not suit up due to an ACL injury, moments after the Gin Kings’ 101-96 win over the Meralco Bolts in Game Seven.
“I’m happy that we got team success. That’s what I’m all about and all we play for.
“That’s what got us here. Whenever we win a championship, everyone looks good,” added Slaughter, who chipped in 12 points in the victory.
Winning the hardware that he has been dreaming of was the perfect way for the seven-foot behemoth to cap off his return late in the season, where he was even named as the Governor’s Cup Best Player of the Conference.
But that, said Slaughter, does not mean that he will already rest on his laurels.
“[I’ll] keep getting better, keep working,” declared the four-year pro, “I don’t think my body is at 100 percent, so I hope to have a better understanding of the things during the rehab. You just have to keep working and keep getting better.
“We won’t stop here. We’ll keep this thing going. I’m so fortunate to have these teammates, coach Tim [Cone],” continued Slaughter, who posted norms of 11.7 points, seven rebounds, and 2.6 blocks in the title series.
“We want to keep it going.”
