CEBU, Philippines - In a soft yet firm tone, University of the Visayas president Eduardo “Eddiegul” R. Gullas said the move of Greg Slaughter to play for a prestigious Manila-based school is “unfair’ as far as UV is concerned, even as he remains hopeful that the Fil-Am cage superstar would honor his commitment with the school particularly on the academic side.
The highly esteemed Cebuano lawmaker made the statement after learning through last Friday’s column of Joaquin “Quinito” M. Henson of The Philippine Star, mother company of The FREEMAN, that “Slaughter is redshirting at the Ateneo [de Manila University] this year to be eligible for the UAAP next season.”
“When Greg first came here (UV) three years ago, he said he wanted to play with the Lancers. Now if he plays for Ateneo, it’s a different story because if ever he will make it to PBA, Ateneo will take credit for it. It’s unfair. We’re the ones who gave him the break,” said Gullas in a press conference yesterday at his office.
The 21-year-old Slaughter steered the UV Green Lancers to three straight championship in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI). In 2008, he made history by becoming the first player in the league to sweep three MVP awards - regular season, Finals and All-Star.
Despite his being a raw talent when he stepped into the UV threshold in 2007, Slaughter was undeniably a hot commodity in basketball community owing to his hulking 6-foot-11 figure. Since then, he has shown a lot potentials and has improved tremendously on all facets of his game.
“I told Greg at first that he will compete and graduate at UV. I even assured him that after his college days, I will try, within my power, to accommodate him to any PBA team he wants to be. It’s my utmost concern to put him in a safe, good corporation that will take care of him once he graduates,”said Gullas.
“I hope he will make good of his commitment to complete his studies here. It’s an honor for him to have a diploma with UV where he has played three years of basketball,” he added.
Slaughter is an upcoming fourth year student taking up Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at UV.
Things have changed last year when UV loaned Slaughter to the Smart Gilas Philippine Team of Serbian coach Rajko Toroman.
As he takes pride for Slaughter’s vast improvement and hardcourt maturity, Gullas was relatively caught by surprise upon learning that their prized center is about to fly with the Blue Eagles.
“When the SBP under the leadership of Manny V. Pangilinan asked me to loan Slaughter to the national team, I said by all means if it is for the RP colors. I cannot say no to it. I have given my word and delivered on my word,” Gullas said.
“But when you plan later on that you would be joining another school, that’s another story,” added the amiable Cebu First District congressman.
If ever he will push through with his plan of suiting up for Ateneo, Gullas said the decision solely depends upon Slaughter.
“I can’t stop him [whatever his decision may be’] but I will talk things over with him,” said Gullas. We are not holding hostage his basketball career. All I wish for is that he will finish his studies here. You cannot be a basketball player all your life so it’s a good thing you have a college diploma.”