Coach Johnedel Cardel is hoping Titan Ultra can seal a deal that will bring back 7-foot veteran Greg Slaughter to the PBA.
Slaughter, who made a surprise appearance during the league’s two-day festivities over the weekend, is currently in talks with Titan Ultra’s new management about a potential return to the PBA.
‘Greg [Slaughter] is the type of player that you must have in your team,’ Cardel told BusinessMirror on Monday. ‘He is in shape, and we are confident that he is the missing link in our team. We are hoping that he can play for us.’
At 37, Slaughter is no stranger to the spotlight. A former standout for Ginebra and NorthPort, he’s already met with team manager Aldriane Anglim, and signs point to a promising reunion. The last time the 12-year veteran suited up in the PBA was in 2021, where he posted averages of 16.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game for the Batang Pier-before contract talks hit a snag.
After his PBA stint, Slaughter took his talents overseas to Japan’s B.League, playing for Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka from 2022 to 2023. He returned to Philippine soil in 2024 to compete in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) for Manila, and now plays for Basilan Starhorse.
Should the deal push through, Titan Ultra will unleash a formidable frontcourt duo: Slaughter and 6-foot-8 rookie Mario Barasi.
The twin-tower setup could help the team match up with the likes of San Miguel Beer, Ginebra, Converge, and TNT-especially in the paint against nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo of the Beermen.
‘Everybody is excited to have him just like what Calvin [Abueva] said, it will be comfortable if we have him,’ Cardel added. ‘Greg is going to be our equalizer against any competitive teams like the San Miguel Beermen, Ginebra, Converge and TNT.’
‘The good thing so far is Greg’s openness to return to the PBA. We are just hoping that he can play for us in this conference,’ Cardel said. ‘He also said that he is ready to play for us. It is a great sign for the team.’