No reason to dwell on Greg’s absence
MANILA, Philippines — With or without Greg Slaughter, Barangay Ginebra is determined to accomplish their mission to annex the coveted PBA Philippine Cup crown.
The seven-foot Slaughter went on a sabbatical after his contract with the Gin Kings expired, leaving his twin tower partner Japeth Aguilar with a heavier burden in the frontcourt and the rest of the gang with bigger roles to fill in the season-opening tournament.
“Kailangan kong harapin kung ano man yung magiging role ko this coming all-Filipino conference,” Aguilar said after the team’s first practice since their Governors’ Cup conquest.
“May tiwala naman ako sa coaching staff. May pinaplano na siguro sila. Basta kailangan ready ako. Actually not just me, kaming lahat sa team kailangan ready,” he added.
For Ginebra skipper LA Tenorio, it won’t be helpful sulking over Slaughter’s unexpected departure.
“Hindi namin pwede problemahin yun the whole conference. Wala siya, it’s time to move on. Parang noong na-ACL siya, ganon din yun, we have to move on. Kung ano man ang meron kami, yun ang gagamitin namin sa All-Filipino. We just have to find ways to win just like what happened (before) when Greg was injured and didn’t play the whole season,” he said.
“I think it’s better also for the other players. It’s time for them to step up and magpakilala dito sa team tulad nila Prince (Caperal), Raymond Aguilar. Magkaroon sila ngayon ng opportunity,” he added.
Tenorio said the Gin Kings have huge expectations on Governors’ Cup finals MVP Aguilar, who he felt is bound for a breakout year.
“Of course si Japeth, (it’s his opportunity) to really be the leader namin talaga na matagal na naming hinahanap. Set-up din ito for Japeth to really soar high this season. I think this is the MVP season of Japeth. I’m expecting that from him,” he said.
Coach Tim Cone declined media interviews yesterday, though he earlier said he would sit down with Slaughter and his agent to discuss the latter’s plans.