NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio clarified that center Greg Slaughter was the one who requested him not to suit up for the first two games, citing that "he's not fit to play."
"In our first game, si Greg, siya nagsabi na ayaw niya maglaro but he wants to suit up just to cheer the players," said Jarencio after the Batang Pier demolished the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 115-79, in the 2021 in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on Wednesday, July 21.
"Siya talaga nagsabi na ayaw niya muna maglaro. Sabi ko, okay. Tapos ngayon (against Phoenix), sabi niya he's not fit to play. So okay, just wear civilian clothes then si Sean Anthony may injury pero I think they'll be ready this next game, sa Sunday."
NorthPort, currently at 1-1, will be facing the San Miguel Beermen (0-1) to start the tripleheader at 2 p.m.
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Jarencio has given light to the issue to dismiss rumors that the management isn't utilizing the big man they acquired in exchange for Christian Standhardinger via trade last March.
Sans Slaughter, the BatangPier pulled through on both ends of the floor, outrebounding the Fuel Masters 61-53.
New additions Troy Rike and Jamie Malonzo filled in the spot by chalking up 20 and 15 points respectively.
"Si Greg ang nag-request na 'wag muna siyang maglaro. Kasi tuloy 'yong mga tao akala 'di namin ginamit siya e. Siya talaga nag-request na 'wag muna daw maglaro kasi he's not yet fit to play," explained the 56-year-old tactician.
"Sumasabay siya sa practice, nag-walkthrough siya which is helpful para sa kanya, helpful para sa team."