The possibility of a Greg Slaughter return to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel next season has raised some concerns whether that will impede the progress of Prince Caperal.
For assistant coach Richard del Rosario, the prospect of seeing Slaughter and the confidence Caperal got from the recent PBA bubble will only make Ginebra a deeper team by the time the 46th season starts in April.
“It’s gonna strengthen us pag bumalik si Greg because that’s another big body out there that we can put on the floor. And whatever you're gonna say, that’s gonna be an asset for any team,” Del Rosario said in the recent episode of Sports Page.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone had earlier expressed hope that Slaughter can don the Ginebra jersey after the 7-footer opted to leave for the United States earlier this year and subsequently miss the Kings' successful title run in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Read: Greg Slaughter congratulates Gin Kings after bubble success
Caperal was able to take advantage of Slaughter’s absence and averaged 7.8 points on 43-percent shooting with 3.9 rebounds in 22 games for the Kings.
Read: Unlikely hero Caperal brings Ginebra to share of bubble lead
The former Arellano standout also topped the elimination round in three-point percentage after making 46.34 of his attempts.
“I think Prince became a lot better and we’re hoping he can still improve. And coming off the bench, if he subs in for Greg, at least medyo masusustain because of the confidence Prince got with his experience in the bubble so that’s gonna deepen our rotation,” added Del Rosario.
Slaughter is currently in talks with Cone and Ginebra management about a possible comeback after deciding to head to the US last February instead of negotiating for a contract extension.
“I think there’s still talking. Greg’s talking with management and they’re continuing close talks,” said Del Rosario, who also bared on the said episode that Slaughter would have been part of the bubble.
“Greg just got married and I think one of the reasons why he didn’t join the team in this bubble is because he had that scheduled already.”