By Jonas Terrado
LA Tenorio is not dwelling on the situation surrounding Greg Slaughter’s decision to take a break from basketball, adding that his absence can also open things up for other Barangay Ginebra San Miguel players.
Members of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel huddle at the Upper Deck Sports Center after wrapping up their first practice since Greg Slaughter announced he was taking a break following the non-renewal of his contract at the end of the 44th season. (Contributed photo)
“Hindi namin pwedeng problemahin yan the whole conference diba? Kung wala siya, we just have to move on,” Tenorio said after Ginebra began its preparation for the season-opening PBA Philippine Cup at the Upper Deck Sports Center in Ortigas.
Slaughter was, of course, nowhere as Ginebra tries to deal with life minus the 7-foot center who more than a week ago announced his decision to go on a sabbatical.
Coach Tim Cone, who the previous week bared his plans to meet Slaughter and discuss the matter, refrained from making any comments after practice. It is unknown whether the two had even talked.
Tenorio declined to discuss the Slaughter decision, only saying that he respects Slaughter’s decision.
“Personally, I respect Greg’s decision so kung ano decision niya o kung ano mangyayari sa buhay niya, it’s not my business,” said Tenorio.
But Tenorio was able to find a silver lining on the situation, especially with how it can help Japeth Aguilar prosper even more following an MVP performance in last month’s PBA Governors’ Cup Finals win over Meralco.
Greg Slaughter made his decision to take a break from basketball less than two weeks ago. (PBA Images)
Tenorio even went the full route to express confidence in Aguilar’s readiness to produce a season to remember.
“For us, it is the time for Japeth to really be the leader, yung maging main man na matagl na namin hinahanap sa kanya,” he said before making a bold declaration.
“Siguro set up din to for Japeth to really soar high this coming season. I think this is the MVP season for Japeth, and I’m expecting that from him after the last conference he showed,” Tenorio added.
Aguilar admitted that high expectations will be tough to meet, but it also willing to take on the challenge.
“Kailangan harapin kung ano role ko sa All-Filipino Conference, and may tiwala naman ako sa coaching staff dahil may pinaplano na siguro sila,” Aguilar said. “Basta kailangan lang maging ready not only me, but kaming lahat sa team.”