By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
BARANGAY Ginebra San Miguel Kings big man Greg Slaughter surprised the Philippine Basketball Association with his decision at the weekend to “take a break” from playing after six years of parading his wares in the league.
In a post on his Instagram account, the 2013 top overall pick said with his contract having expired at the end of the season just passed, he would grab the opportunity to take a break and work on aspects of himself.
“With that, now that my contract has expired, I’ve decided to take a break to be able to work on myself in all aspects,” wrote Mr. Slaughter, 31, on Instagram on Saturday night.
“I may not know what the future holds, but one thing is for sure, the best is yet to come!” he added.
In six years with the Kings, Mr. Slaughter was a four-time champion, the most recent of which was the 2019 Governors’ Cup title won last month.
He was also a best player of the conference awardee in 2017 in the Governors’ Cup.
Mr. Slaughter viewed his Barangay Ginebra journey as an eventful one, thanking San Miguel Corp. and its boss, Ramon S. Ang, and the management on his IG post.
He also nodded on Coach Tim Cone and the rest of the Kings coaching staff and his teammates.
Mr. Slaughter thanked as well the Barangay Ginebra fans, who he considers as the best there is.
“To the best fans in the world — I can’t thank you enough for all the support you have shown me throughout the years. I will forever be grateful! #NSD,” he wrote.
While surprised by his move, many in the PBA expressed support to seven-foot “Gregzilla” and his decision and wished him luck on social media, including his teammates in Barangay Ginebra.
Among them were veteran Mark Caguioa, who is all set to ride into the sunset after the about-to-begin PBA Season 45; Japeth Aguilar and Aljun Mariano.
Also sending message of support were Doug Kramer, JC Intal, Allex Mallari and Juami Tiongson, among others.
Mr. Slaughter’s decision to take a break came amid talks that the Kings were planning to ship him out to another team, in particular for Northport big man Christian Standhardinger.
Mr. Cone and other Kings officials reportedly will try to talk to Mr. Slaughter about his decision and maybe for him to reconsider.
