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| While still waiting for the FIBA verdict, Greg Slaughter already looks forward to play as Gilas local. PBA Media Bureau (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
PASIG--Greg Slaughter said on Tuesday night that he has already submitted the needed documents for eligibility as a local for Gilas Pilipinas.
With the papers submitted, he is optimistic that FIBA will allow him to play as one of the national team's homegrown players for the World Cup Qualifiers matches against Iran and Qatar later this month.
"I think I should be able to play," Slaughter, who later said that he has "been in the Philippines basically my whole life," told some reporters after team practice at the Meralco Gym. "Hopefully it will come back with a favorable response."
The situation of the Ginebra center's eligibility kept Coach Yeng Guiao from naming his "Final 12" for the Sept. 13 road game in the Iranian capital of Tehran on Monday night.
[Related Story: Guiao delays Gilas "Final 12" announcement]
The concurrent NLEX coach again kept mum about his Final 12 on Tuesday night as Gilas begins to wait for FIBA's decision on Slaughter.
"Since na-submit na, wala na tayong magagawa except to wait," said Guiao.
He, however, somehow hinted that the seven-foot beanpole will be a shoo-in once he is cleared to play as a local, giving him an option to just choose between Stanley Pringle and Chris Standhardinger as Gilas' naturalized player.
"If Greg can be categorized as a local, then that means it's just a choice between Stanley and Christian. That makes it a little easier," continued Guiao.
However, he is also awaiting a separate decision in the case of Pringle.
"Hindi lang si Greg ang gusto natin maging local, pati si Stanley, kaya lang I'm not sure if Stanley's papers have already been submitted," Guiao further said.
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