Slaughter withdraws from Gilas training pool

Days after being named to the Gilas Pilipinas training pool, Greg Slaughter declined the invitation to try out for the national team.

"Originally, I thought these 12 [the FIBA Asia Championship team] would be going to Spain," said Slaughter, speaking to reporters at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum Friday.

The big man said he wasn't notified of his inclusion in the training pool until it was reported in the news. He attended the squad's first practice last Monday, but did not suit up.

Slaughter expressed that the entire original roster, who finished runners-up during the FIBA Asia Championship, deserved to represent the country in Spain.

The 2013 top draft pick, who plays for Barangay Ginebra in the PBA, added he already made his decision known to national coach Chot Reyes, who allowed him to decline the invitation. "He was the first person I talked to about it," Slaughter said. He's a very understanding person. He understood my decision, and he said it was okay."

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, but hopefully in the future I can be part of it," Slaughter added.

In his first conference in the PBA, Slaughter averaged 15.43 points, 10.09 rebounds, 1.39 assists and 1.52 blocks.

Marcio Lassiter reportedly feels the same as Slaughter and will address the media after the ongoing SMB-Meralco game.

— GMA News Sports (@gmanews_sports) March 7, 2014

Reports also have San Miguel Beerman Marcio Lassiter, another addition to the original FIBA Asia Championship 12, planning to make a similar announcement. Lassiter however, will talk to the press only after their ongoing game against the Meralco Bolts. - RAF, GMA News