Greg Slaughter (right) with June Mar Fajardo (left) at the PBA Season 49 Leo Awards. Paige Javier, ABS-CBN News
MANILA – Four years since his exit from the PBA, veteran big man Greg Slaughter is taking steps for a possible return to the league.
The 37-year-old started by making amends with the PBA and stakeholders, while expressing his heartfelt intention and dream to come back.
In a statement released to media on Wednesday, Slaughter admitted he missed playing for the PBA, the fans and competing in the league.
"A lot can happen in 4 years, and in truth, so much has: life experiences, growth and maturity. I'm older now and I am now the head of a family of five. I can honestly say that my life is great, but I also must admit, something has been missing," he said.
Slaughter expressed gratitude as he looked back on his PBA career, which opened opportunities for him and for his family, before apologizing for his past actions.
READ: Greg Slaughter ‘in talks’ with Titan Ultra for possible PBA comeback
"It is with the same gratitude that I approach this new season in my life with humility -- the humility to recognize what I did wrong, and the humility to offer my profound apologies for miscommunications in the past that caused offense to an association that has been so good to me, an association that has made my dream of playing for a Filipino premier league come true," he said.
"I would specifically like to mention, Mr. Alfrancis Chua, the person responsible for getting me to play for Ginebra, a person I owe so much to. My profound gratitude to you, Sir," he added.
The four-time PBA champion reiterated his intention to return to the league, echoing his statement at the annual Leo Awards earlier this month.
"It is my dream to come back, and it is my dream for my family to see me proud of playing in the home court. I want my wife and children to watch me play basketball in the PBA again. I want my three daughters to be proud of their father. I want them to grow up seeing me beam with pride in the PBA. To have a father who plays for the PBA is a legacy I want for my children," he said.
The big man ended his statement by vowing to do his best if given an opportunity to return to the court and even called the PBA "home."
"Basketball is my favorite sport. I love it very much. It's my life. I want to end by promising to everyone here and all the PBA fans everywhere that from here on, I will do my best and give my all in every game, and that you can all expect a more seasoned player. The PBA for me is family, the PBA for me is home," he wrote.
Slaughter's rights are with the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, after its takeover of the Northport Batang Pier franchise, where he last played in 2021
Gregzilla later took his talents to Japan, where he played for the Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka in the B.League second division from 2022 until 2024.
The veteran big man returned to the Philippines, joining the Manila Stars and recently the Basilan Starhorse in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
Slaughter earlier said he is in talks with Titan Ultra management on his possible return.
For now, Gregzilla has left open the door for his comeback, with the hopes opportunities will come knocking again.