Slaughter leaving Ginebra for good?

MANILA, Philippines — With Greg Slaughter signing with top international basketball agency BeoBasket, Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone is left to wonder whether a return stint is still on the table for the seven-footer who could be eyeing to relaunch his career overseas.

Cone, who had previously expressed desire to have Slaughter back in the fold, said it would be more of a wait-and-see situation now.

“I’m very happy for him but I don’t know what that means regarding his return to Ginebra,” Cone told The STAR yesterday.

“We’ll just have to wait and see.”

Slaughter announced he linked up with the Misko Raznatovic-owned BeoBasket, which has represented international players in NBA and EuroLeague, including Nikola Jokic, Cedi Osman and Marko Guduric.

“I’m extremely honored to be the first Filipino in their roster,” he said on his social media accounts.

“Wherever my journey takes me, I will always proudly represent the Philippines, especially our national team.”

Slaughter went on a sabbatical from basketball after his contract with the Gin Kings lapsed last January.

The former Ateneo big man claimed he wasn’t offered a fresh pact but Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua insisted there was one to be made had he approached team officials and sought a renewal.

Ginebra later tendered an offer within the prescribed period to keep Slaughter’s signing rights.

Last week, Slaughter bared he’s been undergoing training under Gary Boyson at the DME Sports Academy in Daytona, Florida, in line with his goal of vying for a Gilas Pilipinas slot in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

At the same time, he stated that returning to Ginebra in the future is an option.

“It would be absolutely great if he returned but we haven’t heard anything from him directly,” Cone said in reaction to Slaughter’s statement then. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to contact him soon and get a contract worked out.”