NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio said the opportunity to sign Ginebra’s 7-footer in Greg Slaughter was something they couldn’t pass up.
After all, despite having a frontline that had Christian Standhardinger and Kelly Nabong last season, NorthPort still placed 10th in the league in the rebounding department with 43.36 boards per contest.
“In the last season, we were outrebounded. So with Greg around, I’m certain that we have now an inside presence. He can intimidate,” said Jarencio as he explained the reason why the Northport management shipped Standhardinger, the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup Best Player of the Conference.
“Christian is not a bad player, but what we need now is one who can intimidate inside.”
Slaughter missed the entire Philippine Cup after a contract dispute with Ginebra. The Cebuano did not sit idly during that time, though. Instead, he trained with Gary Boyson in Daytona Beach, Florida.
For his part, Jarencio and his staff can’t wait to see the improvements made by Slaughter.
“Besides, he trained in the US for a while and played with some big guys so I believe he’s in top shape now.
“With Greg, I believe we can go up against the best teams because Greg can shoot from the perimeter and attack the basket,” said Jarencio, who added that the former Ateneo star would be playing 30 to 35 minutes for the team.
Slaughter can trust NorthPort with minutes, as it was able to fulfill its promises to Mo Tautuaa and Standhardinger in the past.
The management, on the other hand, is convinced the trade would benefit both teams.
Slaughter played his first six seasons with the Ginebra Kings, but did not play in last season’s bubble which the team won at the expense of TNT.
NorthPort is excited to have Slaughter as the team’s spearhead. The Batang Pier intend to bounce back following a forgettable showing the last time.
“The team is thrilled to have him in the team, knowing he worked hard in the US to polish his game.”
