If plans push through, Manila will be parading its biggest frontline combo in the history of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
The prospects of seven-foot center Greg Slaughter teaming up with fellow Atenean Rabeh Al-Hussaini is not only much anticipated both by the fans of the Manila Stars and the players’ long-time supporters, but eagerly awaited by the 35-year-old center, who is making his return playing in the Philippines after a four-year hiatus.
Speaking to Pinoystep.com during his interview with The Link Podcast, the 6-foot-7 Al-Hussaini couldn’t hide his excitement on the possibilities of rejoining forces with Slaughter.
Although the two players played on different generations in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines while backstopping the Blue Eagles’ title runs, they became teammates during the first wave of Smart Gilas Pilipinas.
Back then, the national team returned to tapping players outside of the PBA, a program similarly patterned after the Northern Consolidated Cement and Al-Hussaini, fresh from winning two championships from Ateneo and Slaughter, then a project player out of the University of Visayas Lancers and being wooed by Ateneo, would team up at the start of the original Gilas program handled by Serbian coach Rajko Toroman.
“I very much look forward to that possibility,” said Al-Hussaini. “Kasi naging teammates kami niyan sa first Gilas namin. Mayroon pa kaming little group with Chriis Lutz before na lagi kaming lumalabas.”
Slaughter was enlisted by the Stars even though the player is still under contract playing for the Rising Zephyr Fukuoka, a second-tier team in the Japan B. League, but is expected to join his MPBL squad once his obligations with his Japanese team has been fulfilled.
“When I found as well that we’re going to be teammates in MPBL, with Manila, magandang opportunity ito for our team to go to the next stages,” added Al-Hussaini.
The twin towers could form the tallest frontline ever in the history of the league.
Before, the MPBL has restrictions on Fil-foreign player seeing action in the nationwide league. The previous requirement was these players need not to exceed the height limit of 6-foot-5.
With the MPBL now being categorized as a professional league, the height limit restrictions were scrapped, allowing Fil-foreign players regardless of size, to suit up.
Following the entry of Al-Hussaini and the looming possibility of Slaughter joining the team, the Stars could become a serious title contender.
“Solid yun,” added Al-Hussaini.
Bottom line, Al-Hussaini believes Slaughter joining the MPBL is going to be a surefire hit for the league.
‘Slaughter’s entry is going to be great for the league,” added Al-Hussaini. “It gives the league a stand that we’re a solid league in the Philippines.”
