Greg Slaughter is now playing the waiting game with his status for the 2018 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers this September.
The 7-foot slotman, as of this posting, has yet to know from the international basketball federation whether he is a local or naturalized player for the Filipino dribblers.
“From what sir Butch [Antonio] told me, it’s submitted to FIBA and wait on everything,” said Slaughter Tuesday.
“But I got the documents from my parents right away and we sent those over.”
“Yun nga, na-submit na. Kung na-submit na, wala na tayong magagawa except to wait,” added head coach Yeng Guiao. “We’re not really sure when they will make that final decision or approval.
“Siguro yung SBP or sila boss Butch would have a better idea of what the process will [sic] and when the timing is going to be.”
Those documents Slaughter is referring to are the necessary requirements to meet FIBA’s eligibility rules.
This kind of limbo that the Barangay Ginebra star faces has yet again stalled the assembly of Gilas’ 12-man line-up that will face Hamed Haddadi and Iran on September 13 in Tehran, Iran.
Coaches can’t even say possible shoo-ins given such. Should things worsen, they might choose among Slaughter, Christian Standhardinger, and Stanley Pringle as their naturalized player.
“If Greg says they’ve already been submitted, of course maniniwala naman tayo dun. But if Greg can be played or categorized as a local, then that means it’s just a choice between Stanley and Christian,” disclosed Guiao.
“That makes it a little easier for us.”
FIBA only allows one naturalized player in their tournaments.
But as much as this waiting game is taxing and brings in unnecessary anxiety, the Cebuano behemoth is hopeful that he will be able to represent the Philippines in the Qualifiers.
“It’s up to the management and FIBA now, but I think I should be able to play. I’ve been in the Philippines basically my whole life,” said Slaughter. “I was even baptized in Cebu as a baby.
“I’ve been living here eleven years now, studied here and played in tournaments with the national team. Hopefully, it will come back with a favorable response.”
