DESPITE clamor from Cebuano fans for him to play for his hometown team, towering center Greg Slaughter has signed up with the Basilan Red Dynasty to bolster its campaign in the ongoing Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).
The seven-foot Slaughter was expected to suit up for the Cebu Classic when the team was initially formed, but the deal reportedly failed to materialize.
Now under new management, the franchise has since undergone a massive revamp and rebranded itself as the Cebu Greats.
In the Basilan Red Dynasty team, the product of the University of the Visayas will be teaming up with fellow Cebuano Emman Calo and former PBA stars Arwind Santos, Jervy Cruz, and Alex Cabagnot. The coaching staff also includes Chelito Caro from Lapu-Lapu City.
The Cebuano giant played in the 2023 MPBL season with the Manila Stars. He also had a brief stint in Japan’s B.League.
Red Dynasty team owner Jackson Chua told mediamen that they acquired Slaughter to help the team’s bid for a playoff berth in the competitive regional league.
Slaughter is set to make his debut on July 14 against Manila Batang Quiapo at Orion Sports in Bataan.
Currently, Basilan has an 8-8 record, in a tie with the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys for 17th and 18th place in the overall standings.
Last month, following the Cebu Greats’ management shift, many Cebuanos hoped Slaughter would finally don Cebu’s colors and power the team forward.
Instead, under the mentorship of former PBA star Junthy Valenzuela, the Cebu Greats have fortified their lineup with Cebuano aces JR Quiñahan, Paul Desiderio, Mac Tallo and Reeve Usgang. (JBM)