MANILA – FIBA cleared Greg Slaughter to play as a local player for the Philippine men’s basketball team in international competitions.
The Filipino-American slotman announced on Twitter on Saturday that he is good to go for Gilas Pilipinas in the second round of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers next week.
“I just found out Fiba has approved my eligibility as a local! Couldn’t be happier about this,” said the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings center. “I’m looking forward to beginning a wonderful journey with the national team. Para sa bayan!”
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas was informed about FIBA’s ruling on Slaughter through a letter from the federation’s Secretary-General Patrick Baumann.
FIBA recognized that Slaughter failed to secure his passport before turning 16 years old – a key requirement for dual citizens – but took note that he got his passport at 17 and moved with his family to Cebu at 19.
“After a thorough review of the documentation by (the SBP), FIBA exceptionally authorizes Gregory William Slaughter to play for the Philippine national team without restriction,” the letter read.
The SBP was delighted by the verdict.
“We are happy to announce to the entire basketball loving Filipinos that SBP’s push to FIBA to prove that Greg Slaughter is a pure Filipino has been recognized,” organization president Al Panlilio said in a statement released in Las Vegas.
“The SBP is elated with this development in our desire to come up with the best basketball roster for our flag and country. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas,” Panlilio added.
Now all Gilas head coach Yeng Guiao has to do is choose who between Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle will serve as their naturalized player.
“I am more or less convinced to play both Christian and Stanley in this window for at least one game, and they may alternate in the designation as naturalized player,” Guiao said.
“If Christian plays in the Iran game, then Stanley will play in the Qatar game. If Stanley plays in the Iran game, then Christian will play in the Qatar game,” the seven-time PBA champion coach added.
FIBA classified both Standhardinger and Pringle as naturalized players in its sanctioned tournaments./PN
