THE absence of one Cebuano has paved the way for another Cebuano to don the country’s colors in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games men’s basketball tournament, which tips off at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, December 4, 2019.

Big man Greg Slaughter has been selected to replace Roger Pogoy in the 12-man lineup of head coach Tim Cone that would make its debut against Singapore on Wednesday.

Pogoy, the product of University of Cebu, would not be able to compete after he sustained an injury to his back during their quarterfinal encounter with Magnolia last November 26.

In his stead is Slaughter, the former Cesafi Most Valuable Player and sentinel of the University of the Visayas, who would be joining a humongous frontline that already has another Cebuano in reigning PBA MVP, June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Christian Standhardinger, Troy Rosario, and Vic Manuel.

Slaughter is no stranger to representing the Philippines in the SEA Games, as he was part of the Sinag Pilipinas that won gold in the 2011 edition of this biennial meet.