The seven-foot shadow of Greg Slaughter is looming large over the PBA once again. In a move that signals his absolute commitment to a comeback, the former Rookie of the Year and Best Player of the Conference recently met with Titan Ultra officials immediately after a flight from Dubai—even rescheduling his own daughter’s birthday plans to ensure the meeting happened.
As the smoke clears from the PBA Philippine Cup, a fascinating narrative is emerging: Titan Ultra is becoming the league's premiere "renaissance" destination. The question on every fan's mind is whether they can reinvigorate Slaughter’s career with the same magic they used on Calvin Abueva.
The Abueva Precedent: A Blueprint for Revival
Before Titan Ultra traded him to Converge, they achieved the unthinkable: they turned Calvin Abueva back into a Top 3 player in the league.
The Result: "The Beast" didn't just play well; he dominated, leading the league in scoring during the eliminations and averaging a staggering 23.6 points and 11.9 rebounds.
The Method: Titan provided a platform where a veteran "outcast" could be the undisputed face of the franchise. They prioritized his strengths and gave him the minutes to prove his worth.
Why Slaughter is a "Good Bet" for Titan
If Titan Ultra signs Slaughter for the upcoming Commissioner's Cup, the upside is massive.
The "Fresh" Giant: Slaughter has spent the last few years staying in game shape in Japan’s B.League and most recently leading the Zamboanga Valientes in Dubai alongside Anthony Bennett. Unlike a player coming off a major injury, Greg is coming off a period of international seasoning.
Positional Scarcity: In a league dominated by June Mar Fajardo, a healthy 7-foot-1 local is a literal "gold mine." Titan’s roster currently lacks a massive interior presence, and Slaughter would instantly stabilize their defense.
The Sincerity Factor: Titan owner Bryann Calantoc noted that he was most impressed by Slaughter’s "determination and sincerity." Just as they embraced Abueva’s "Beast" persona, Titan seems willing to embrace a "seasoned and humble" Slaughter.
The "Titan Knights" Synergy
Interestingly, Titan has been busy hoarding Letran alumni (Caralipio, Omega, Yu, etc.) to build a gritty, cohesive identity. Adding a veteran like Slaughter to anchor the paint gives these young, aggressive players a "safety net."
The Outlook: If Gregzilla can provide even 70% of his 2017 peak form—roughly 15 points and 10 rebounds—Titan Ultra will have successfully pulled off the "Double Resurrection." They would prove that they aren't just a "young team," but a franchise that knows how to weaponize veteran greatness.
Final Thoughts
Greg Slaughter isn't just looking for a paycheck; he’s looking for a legacy. With his family settled back in the Philippines and his rights held by a management team that clearly values veteran "heart," the stars are aligning. If Titan Ultra can turn the "Kraken’s" old rival back into a force of nature, the PBA landscape is about to get a lot more crowded at the top.
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