I still remember the excitement surrounding the 2013 PBA rookie class—it felt like we were witnessing the emergence of basketball’s next big stars. That year, the Rookie of the Year title went to none other than Greg Slaughter, a towering 7-foot center who had already built quite the reputation during his collegiate years with the Ateneo Blue Eagles. Drafted first overall by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Slaughter didn’t just meet expectations; he owned them. Averaging 13.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game in his debut season, he quickly became a fan favorite and a cornerstone for Ginebra’s frontcourt. I recall watching his early games and thinking, "This guy isn’t just big—he’s got finesse." His footwork in the paint and ability to read defenses set him apart from other rookies, and it was clear why the panel of sportswriters and officials voted him as the top rookie almost unanimously.
But winning individual accolades is one thing; thriving in the PBA’s competitive ecosystem is another. Slaughter’s journey, like many others, had its share of highs and lows. Injuries began to plague his career around 2018, limiting his playing time and impact. It’s a shame, really, because when he was healthy, he was nearly unstoppable in the shaded lane. I’ve always believed that a fully fit Slaughter could have redefined the center position in the Philippines, but basketball can be unforgiving. After a few seasons of diminished roles, he made the surprising decision to take a break from the PBA in 2021, citing personal reasons and a desire to explore opportunities abroad. Rumor has it he’s been training in the United States, though concrete updates on his return have been scarce. From my perspective, his absence leaves a void—not just for Ginebra, but for the league as a whole.
Reflecting on Slaughter’s rookie year reminds me of a broader truth in Philippine basketball, something that an eight-time PBA champion once put perfectly: "Hindi naman tayo sasali sa PBA kung ayaw nating manalo." That quote, which translates to "We wouldn’t join the PBA if we didn’t want to win," captures the essence of what drives these athletes. Slaughter embodied that mindset from day one. He didn’t just show up; he competed with a hunger that resonated with fans and teammates alike. Even today, that championship mentality is what separates the greats from the rest. I’ve spoken with a few folks in the industry who worked with him, and they often mention his relentless work ethic—whether it was staying late after practice or studying game tapes to exploit opponents’ weaknesses. It’s no wonder he helped Ginebra secure two PBA championships during his tenure, in the 2016 and 2017 Governors' Cups.
Now, where is Greg Slaughter today? Well, as of late 2023, he’s been relatively low-key. Reports suggest he’s focusing on fitness and potential overseas stints, possibly in Japan’s B.League or other international circuits. He’s also dipped his toes into business ventures, including fitness-related startups, which makes sense given his athletic background. On social media, you’ll see him posting workout videos and occasional throwbacks to his PBA days—a subtle nod to the legacy he built. Personally, I think his story is far from over. At 34 years old, he’s got plenty of basketball left in him if he chooses to return. But even if he doesn’t, his impact as the 2013 Rookie of the Year is indelible. He inspired a generation of big men to blend size with skill, and his rivalry with fellow rookie contender June Mar Fajardo—who, by the way, went on to become a six-time MVP—added spice to the league’s narrative.
Looking back, the 2013 rookie class was stacked with talent, but Slaughter’s award was well-deserved. It’s a reminder that success in the PBA isn’t just about raw talent; it’s about resilience and that unwavering desire to win. As fans, we often get caught up in stats and trophies, but it’s the human side—the comebacks, the setbacks, the quiet moments off the court—that truly defines a player’s journey. Slaughter’s path, from dominant rookie to his current chapter, shows that the game is as much about adaptation as it is about victory. And who knows? Maybe we haven’t seen the last of him in a PBA jersey. After all, as that champion’s quote implies, once you’ve tasted winning, it’s hard to walk away for good.
