Greg Slaughter was all smiles as he made his return to Gilas Pilipinas Monday. His eyes were visibly gleaming as he basked in the glow inside the Meralco Gym in Pasig City, obviously struck with nostalgia.
The last time he was inside the facility was seven years ago – the 7-foot slotman is among the pioneer members of the Gilas program, which began back in 2010.
“It’s a lot different over here.
“The air-conditioner is up now. I remember before when we were practicing here in the old national team, it was summer at 3:00 p.m. with no air conditioning,” recalled Slaughter, who wore a circa-2010 Gilas practice jersey in his return.
“The gym’s a lot nicer but it just feels good to be playing with the national team again. You can just feel the energy here, what we’re playing for is not just for us, it’s for the Filipinos out there,” the 30-year-old big man furthered.
Slaughter, however, can’t fully celebrate his return to the national team.
Though he has played in various tournaments with Gilas here and abroad, Slaughter needs to submit solid proof that he acquired a Philippine passport before turning 16 years old.
This is yet another challenge for Gilas and Slaughter. But the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel center is optimistic that things will fall into place, that it won’t hinder his chances to play for Gilas.
“I just gotta get some documents back in the States right now. My parents hopefully can send those over,” expressed Slaughter, who was born to a Cebu-based mother.
“Hopefully they can get to process that, and hopefully my eligibility will be all good.”
