Greg Slaughter begged off to play 1st 2 games says Coach Pido Jarencio

Greg Slaughter was a DNP again for the Batang Pier, but he might finally play on Sunday. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—For the second straight game, Greg Slaughter did not play for NorthPort, and this time, he did not even suit up at all.

Coach Pido Jarencio is aware that there is a lot of fan speculation right now on why the seven-foot center has not seen action yet even if he seems OK now.

That is why on Wednesday, Jarencio clarified why Slaughter is still out of action.

"Noong first game, nagsabi si Greg na ayaw niya munang maglaro but he wanted to suit up just to cheer the players. Sabi ko, 'OK.' Tapos ngayon, sabi niya he is not yet fit to play. Sabi ko, 'OK. Just wear civilian clothes,'" Jarencio said.

It can be recalled that Slaughter returned to the United States to get his second COVID-19 vaccine and only rejoined the Batang Pier just before the season opening.

They seemed to have thrived without Slaughter on Wednesday after scoring their most lopsided win in franchise history against the Phoenix Fuel Masters at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

[Related Story: NorthPort sets franchise best blowout against Phoenix]

More known as small forwards, Troy Rike and Jamie Malonzo stepped up in Slaughter's absence playing the two tallest positions in basketball, tallying 20 and 15 points, respectively.

Jarencio then told the NorthPort fans not to fret anymore as Slaughter might finally play against San Miguel along with Sean Anthony, who is sidelined due to an injury.

"I think they'll be ready next game this Sunday," Jarencio further said.

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