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I still remember the first time I watched Greg Slaughter play live at the Araneta Coliseum back in 2014. Standing at 7 feet tall, he moved with a grace that seemed almost contradictory to his massive frame, setting solid screens and establishing deep post position like he was born to play center. Having followed Philippine basketball for over two decades, I've seen numerous talented big men come and go, but Slaughter brought something different to the table - a combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ that we hadn't witnessed in quite some time.

When Barangay Ginebra drafted Slaughter first overall in the 2013 PBA Rookie Draft, the expectations were sky-high. The franchise, known for its passionate "never-say-die" spirit, desperately needed a dominant center to build around. In his rookie season, Slaughter didn't disappoint, putting up impressive numbers of 13.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 48% from the field. These weren't just empty stats either - they translated into immediate impact, helping Ginebra reach the semifinals that conference. What impressed me most wasn't just his statistical production but how he changed the team's defensive identity. Suddenly, Ginebra had a legitimate rim protector who could alter shots without fouling excessively, something that's incredibly valuable in a league where physicality often overrides finesse.

Slaughter's game evolved significantly during his seven seasons in the PBA. Early in his career, he was primarily a back-to-the-basket scorer who relied on his height advantage. But as the years progressed, he developed a reliable mid-range jumper and became a much better passer out of double teams. I recall specifically watching him during the 2016 Commissioner's Cup where he averaged 16.2 points and 10.8 rebounds while leading Ginebra to the championship. His performance in that finals series against Meralco was particularly memorable - he dominated the paint on both ends, controlling the glass and making life difficult for import Allen Durham in the crucial Game 6 clincher.

The conversation about Slaughter's impact inevitably leads to how he fit within different offensive systems. This brings me to an interesting observation made by national team member Ross during the Asian Games. Ross noted that "June isn't the focal point of the offense," referring to how the triangle system was built around JB rather than forcing the ball inside. This insight resonates with what I observed about Slaughter's PBA career - his effectiveness often depended on how coaches utilized his skills. Under Tim Cone's triangle offense, Slaughter had to adapt to a system that emphasized ball movement and player movement rather than traditional post-ups. This sometimes limited his statistical output but arguably made the team more balanced and unpredictable.

I've always believed that Slaughter was somewhat underutilized in certain offensive schemes. His best seasons came when coaches designed plays to take advantage of his unique skill set. During the 2017-2018 season, for instance, he put up career-best numbers of 17.3 points and 11.2 rebounds per game while shooting over 51% from the field. These numbers tell only part of the story - his mere presence on the court created spacing and opportunities for his teammates. Defenses had to collapse on him in the post, which opened up driving lanes for guards like LA Tenorio and Scottie Thompson. This gravitational effect on defenses is something that doesn't always show up in traditional box scores but significantly impacts winning basketball.

Slaughter's journey wasn't without its challenges. Injuries plagued several of his prime years, with foot problems causing him to miss significant portions of the 2015 and 2019 seasons. As someone who's seen many talented players derailed by persistent injuries, I found it frustrating to watch Slaughter struggle to stay healthy during what should have been his peak years. The PBA's physical style of play certainly didn't help, with the constant banging in the post taking its toll on his large frame. Still, when healthy, he remained one of the most dominant big men in the league, earning four All-Star selections and establishing himself as a fixture in the Mythical Team conversations.

What often gets overlooked in discussions about Slaughter is his basketball intelligence. Having played college basketball in the United States before returning to the Philippines, he brought a level of sophistication to his game that separated him from other local big men. He understood defensive rotations, knew when to hedge on screens versus when to drop back, and had excellent timing on shot contests. These subtleties might not excite casual fans, but for basketball purists like myself, they demonstrated a deep understanding of the game that went beyond physical attributes.

The landscape of Philippine basketball has changed significantly since Slaughter entered the league. We're seeing more versatile big men who can stretch the floor and switch defensively, but I'd argue that Slaughter's traditional center skills remain valuable, especially in certain matchups. His retirement from the PBA in 2021 left a void that no player has quite filled since. While there are talented young centers emerging, none possess the same combination of size, skill, and experience that made Slaughter such a unique talent.

Reflecting on his career, I'm convinced that Slaughter's impact extends beyond statistics and championships. He represented a bridge between traditional post play and modern basketball, adapting his game to fit different systems while maintaining his identity as a dominant interior presence. His professionalism and work ethic set an example for younger players, and his willingness to take on different roles depending on team needs demonstrated a selflessness that's sometimes rare in professional sports. The Philippine basketball scene is richer for having had Greg Slaughter, and while his PBA career might have ended sooner than many of us hoped, his legacy as one of the most skilled big men of his generation remains secure.