In his first game back from an ACL injury, Greg Slaughter played major minutes for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, finishing with 14 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks in 30 minutes of action against the Meralco Bolts.
Unfortunately, the seven-foot slotman failed to lead the Gin Kings to victory as they ran into a more-determined Meralco side at the start of their title retention bid in the Oppo PBA Governors Cup.
“Win, that’s all I want to do,” Slaughter said. “Good thing it happened in our first game. I don’t wanna say we’re happy losing. We wanted to win the game, but it’s also a sign that there still a lot to figure out.”
Slaughter admitted that the team has chemistry problems with him on the floor.
“I’m coming in after about a year and during that time we were having a lot of success. So it’s up to me how I can figure out to fit in with everyone. We have different playing styles, so I’m looking how I can fit in with everyone else, how can I make everyone to be better,” he said.
Slaughter is confident the squad will address the issue very soon.
“We’ve been working. We hadn’t been that long in practice. Coach Tim (Cone) is going to help us as everyone is motivated. I’m kinda happy because we have over a week before our next game. I need to talk to my teammates and see how I could come in and help them,” Slaughter said.
For his part, Ginebra import Justin Brownlee understands that it will take a while for Ginebra to find its groove with Slaughter back in action.
“Coach Tim told us there will be some growing pains with the addition of Greg,” Brownlee said. “Of course, he’s a great addition to our team. We know he’s gonna be great for us and we’re gonna be great with Greg. Hopefully, we could get there pretty soon.”