Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Japeth hopes to have Slaughter back: ‘Siyempre, partner ko ‘yun’


Japeth Aguilar expressed excitement at the possibility of Greg Slaughter returning to Barangay Ginebra next season, eager to revive their dreaded frontcourt combination that made life difficult for their foes over the past years. 

“I’m open to that. I’m excited kasi kilala ko si Greg,” the 6-foot-9 forward told Monday night’s edition of 2OT, presented by SMART.

Aguilar and Slaughter have been one of the most formidable frontline duos in the league since pairing up in 2013. And there’s no denying the success they’ve had together, as they’ve won four championships since 2016.

That includes last season’s Governors’ Cup crown. With Aguilar finally coming out of his shell – earning him Finals MVP honors – plus the solid presence of the 7-foot Cebuano, Ginebra was a favorite for the 2020 Philippine Cup.

Unfortunately, the Barangay’s twin towers fell when Slaughter, last February, announced that he was taking a break following the expiration of his contract. He then flew to the United States the following month.

While in the US, the Ateneo de Manila product worked on his game in an effort to hone his skills further. He trained with veteran NBA scout Gary Boyson at the DME Sports Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Boyson then helped Slaughter sign with BeoBasket, the world’s biggest basketball agency. BeoBasket manages several NBA stars such as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and Phoenix Suns’ Dario Saric.

With his brother-in-arms’ experiences in the past several months, Aguilar is looking forward to seeing the growth of Slaughter, who returned to the country last October and just got married last week.

“Right now he’s working hard, so excited ako makita ”yung growth niya as a person and as a player,” the soft-spoken 33-year-old said.

For Aguilar, having Slaughter back would make life much easier for him. Much of the responsibilities they’ve shared before lay fully on the former’s shoulders during the recently-concluded bubble season.

#ReadMore  Japeth Aguilar looks back on off-season: ‘Actually, I’m not supposed to be here’

And if ever his former Gilas Pilipinas teammate will come back next season, it will be a huge boost to the Gin Kings’ bid to defend their stature as the new rulers of the league’s most prestigious conference.

“He’s more matured right now. Siyempre partner ko ‘yun. Mas [makaka-focus] ako sa ibang posisyon, sa ibang aspects ng game,” he said.

Written By

Oftentimes on the sidelines. Forever a student of the game. Morayta-bred.


You May Also Like

Basketball

No trilogy is taking place in the PBA Season 49, as San Miguel tore up the script by ousting Barangay Ginebra, 100-93, to advance...

Basketball

RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario were among the notable players present as Gilas Pilipinas commenced its preparations for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025. Head...

Basketball

LA Tenorio is a firm believer that miracles indeed happen, as he’s been a living proof of it ever since he fought through —...

Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas Men head coach Tim Cone isn’t expecting much from the national team’s first practice on Monday ahead of the FIBA Asia Cup...

Basketball

LA Tenorio turned back the clock and saved Barangay Ginebra from the jaws of defeat against San Miguel, 88-87, to force a Game 7...

Basketball

San Miguel finally broke the trend by subduing Ginebra, 103-92, to move one win away from the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals, Friday...

Basketball

It’s back to square one for the sister teams as San Miguel denied Ginebra of inching closer to the Big Dance following a 107-82...

Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas finally has a start date for its FIBA Asia Cup 2025 buildup. Coach Tim Cone said that the Nationals will hit the...

Advertisement