By Jonas Terrado
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel coach Tim Cone believes Greg Slaughter won’t consider retirement even as he expressed belief that 7-foot center’s decision to go on a sabbatical may benefit him in the long run.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel coach Tim Cone speaks to reporters during Thursday’s PBA Media Day at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila. (PBA Images)
“Based on my conversations with him, I don’t think he’s out forever. I don’t think he’s retiring,” Cone said Thursday during the second annual PBA Media Day at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila.
“I think he really needs a mental break,” added Cone, who also felt that criticism of fans on social media may have affected Slaughter’s confidence.
“And he wasn’t treated well on the internet as we all know, and I think that just kinda weigh down on him, and more importantly on his family. And I think with the blessing and encouragement of his family, they want him to take a break.”
It was Cone’s first detailed statement since Slaughter made a stunning decision to take a break from basketball that created speculations about his contract and a possible trade.
Ginebra team governor Alfrancis Chua earlier in the week welcomed Slaughter’s decision but sees no reason for him to reach out to the former Rookie of the Year and onetime Best Player of the Conference winner.
Cone had previously texted while on vacation that Slaughter did discuss the matter with him during an exit interview that came after Ginebra’s successful title run in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
Greg Slaughter decided to take a break earlier this month. (PBA Images)
This time, the Ginebra mentor revealed that Slaughter expressed his desire to take a break for 3-4 months, though he was in the belief that the big man was having second thoughts.
“When I walked to the room with Greg, he said that ‘I’m gonna take a break’ and I said ‘OK,’” Cone recalled. “That was our conversation so we didn’t get anything else done.
“That’s the true, honest story of how it happened. I did know about it. He did mention 3-4 months at that time and I wasn’t sure if he’s gonna go through it. But then, he went back to the States and sent the text out,” he added.
While the absence of Slaughter may put Ginebra without one of its top frontcourt players, Cone believes his team can make up for his absence in the season opening Philippine Cup which starts March 8.
“We’re prepared to go without him,” Cone said.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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