MANILA – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings’ Gregory Slaughter and Alaska Aces’ Vic Manuel were being eyed as possible replacements for suspended Gilas Pilipinas players in the 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifier.
Slaughter, who was part of the Gilas Pilipinas under Rajko Toroman, said he is more than willing to suit up once again for the national men’s basketball team if called up.
“I’m ready and waiting to be in the national team again,” Slaughter said. “The first time I did that I had a really good time, got to learn a lot and develop as a player. God willing, I hope to be there again.”
“There’s a few times I went through some injuries that I couldn’t be able to join them, but right now I’m healthy, and I feel like I’m starting to get my rhythm back,” he added. “So I would love to play for the national team again.”
Manuel, who had an impressive run during the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup for Aces, said the idea of getting on Gilas duty for the first time excites him.
“Oo naman siyempre. Kung mabibigyan ng chance na makapaglaro para sa Gilas Pilipinas, bakit hindi?” Manuel said. “Ako rin dream ko rin makapaglaro para sa bansa. Gusto ko rin makatulong sa kanila.”
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial earlier said the entire PBA roster is available for the picking of the national team’s coaching staff to fill the void left by 10 suspended players in the aftermath of their “basketbrawl” with Australia Boomers.
Aside from Slaughter and Manuel, Marcial also mentioned LA Tenorio, Paul Lee, Alex Cabagnot, Arwind Santos, Raymond Almazan, Beau Belga, and Christian Standhardinger as possible replacements.
FIBA had slapped multiple-game suspensions on Calvin Abueva, Carl Bryan Cruz, Jio Jalalon, Roger Pogoy, Andray Blatche, Jeth Troy Rosario, Jayson Castro, Japeth Aguilar, Matthew Wright, and Terrence Romeo for their roles in the melee./PN
