Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone on Thursday addressed Greg Slaughter’s surprise announcement that he is going to take a break from basketball.

1 pick made the announcement back in February, putting a dent in the Gin Kings' upcoming Philippine Cup campaign.In the immediate aftermath, Ginebra coach Tim Cone believed that Slaughter would return to the team eventually.However, in the recent months, with everything on lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, communication between Ginebra and Slaughter has been limited. (JNP)300-year-old sunken town reappears during drought in the PhilippinesTropical Storm Isaias Floods Streets on Grand BahamaMets left scrambling as Cespedes no-shows, then opts out of seasonAustralia's Victoria declares disaster, sets curfew to curb COVID-19Philippines' confirmed coronavirus cases exceed 100,000NASA and SpaceX Crews Retrieve Astronauts After SplashdownArchaeologist Thinks He’s Found Early Portrait of GodEarthquake measuring 6.4 strikes Mindanao, Philippines - EMSC260 Chinese boats fish near Galapagos; Ecuador on alertPhilippines virus cases top 100,000 in 'losing battle'SpaceX Crew Return to Earth in Successful Splashdown

Following a 2019 PBA Governors' Cup championship with Barangay Ginebra, Greg Slaughter made a shocking move when he decided to take a sabbatical from basketball.The former no. "We don't know if he's gonna come back. The desire of Cebuano big man Greg Slaughter to play for the Gilas Pilipinas men’s national team in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup was music to the ears of officials of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).Butch Antonio, who functions as the SBP director for operations, said that the 7-footer will be a great addition to the national team pool that is methodically being established in time for the aforementioned tournament that will be co-hosted by the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan.“He’s qualified to play for our national team,” said Antonio of the former Ginebra big man during an appearance on the Sports Page show.Slaughter has been in the United States for a few months now after taking a break from the PBA after Ginebra won the Governors’ Cup title back in January. Greg Slaughter's future with Barangay Ginebra may be up in the air, but as far as Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is concerned, he is always welcome to play for the Philippines.

"We've tried to contact him a couple of times. If he is available for that particular spot, then the coaches decide if there is a space for him. The 7-foot center said in an Instagram post on

MANILA, Philippines—Greg Slaughter announced that he is taking a break from basketball after his contract with Barangay Ginebra expired. View complete Tapology profile, bio, rankings, photos, news and record. Coach Tim Cone says he hasn't heard from Greg Slaughter in a while. Greg Slaughter (1-0-0) is a Amateur MMA Fighter out of Tennessee, United States. You just do not get that 7-footer out of nowhere,” Gregorio said.However, the addition of Slaughter, Antonio clarified, will be left to the Gilas’ coaches.“Nasa mga coaches na yan if he will be invited to be part of the pool,” said Antonio.“He has signified his intention to play. Slaughter's sudden sabbatical back in February came as a shock for the Gin Kings and it …

He shared the good news on his Instagram account on Friday.

In his first statements since making that much talked about move, Slaughter said he is focused on earning a spot in the national team.Showing his commitment to that goal, Slaughter has been training extensively under Gary Boyson at the DME Sports Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Now 32 years old, the Cebuano said he is preparing for what he hopes will be a leadership role on that 2023 national team.The SBP’s special assistant to the president, Ryan Gregorio, said that Slaughter can be a vital piece on the national team. After all, seven-foot centers don’t grow on trees.“That’s definitely a great development.