Greg Slaughter yet to rejoin NorthPort with days left before PBA Season 46

NorthPort head coach Pido Jarencio remains clueless about whether big man Greg Slaughter would be available to play in the team's first few games as the 7-footer is still in the United States with only days left before the PBA Season 46 opening this Friday.

The outspoken mentor told GMA News Online that Slaughter left for the States last month to get his vaccination against COVID-19.

Jarencio, however, said he has no idea when Slaughter, whom they acquired in a trade that involved Christian Standhardinger in March, will be back for the Batang Pier.

"Actually, I really have no idea because he is talking with the management," Jarencio said in Filipino in an interview.

"He left last month to get his vaccine and he has yet to be back since. Of course, we're hoping to have him rejoin us soon. He's a great addition to us so we could be a lot better when he's around."

Jarencio, though, said they have been making big progress in their training, especially with new talents they have obtained from trades and the recent Rookie Draft.

Aside from Slaughter, Batang Pier also enlisted the services of Sidney Onwubere and Clint Doliguez after sending Bradwyn Guinto to Rain or Shine last January. The team also signed incoming rookies Jamie Malonzo and Troy Rike, who are this year's second and eleventh overall draft picks, respectively.

"We are good to go for the season and although Greg is not around, we are still making some improvements in our system," Jarencio added.

"We are not yet at 100 percent, I would say 70 to 80 percent but we're getting there."

—JMB, GMA News