First it was Mikey Williams making waves with Converge. Now it’s Greg “Gregzilla” Slaughter’s turn to ignite PBA Season 50.
Sources told SPIN.ph that the 37-year-old seven-footer and the Titan Ultra Giant Risers — the team that holds his playing rights after acquiring the old NorthPort franchise — have already come to terms on a new contract.
“Greg, in consultation with his wife and advisers, has agreed to receive an amount slightly lower from what he was offered at Northport three years ago,” a source privy to the negotiations revealed.
The plan is clear: Slaughter wants to return to the PBA, re-introduce himself to the fans, and prove he can still dominate as one of the league’s rare true 7-footers.
With the contract basically done, the only thing left is the PBA board’s approval. Because of the messy exit from NorthPort back in 2021, there’s been talk of a “silent ban” hanging over Slaughter’s head. Titan will submit his Uniform Players’ Contract (UPC) soon — and if the league blocks it, the questions will only get louder.
But here’s the truth: the PBA has three massive reasons to greenlight this comeback immediately.
1. Gregzilla vs. 7-Footer Imports = Instant Curiosity and Buzz
The PBA is starving for big-man battles. Right now, the only true local 7-footer who can go toe-to-toe with elite imports is June Mar Fajardo. Slaughter — still listed at 7-0 and with proven post skills, timing, and championship experience — changes that overnight.
Imagine the hype: Greg Slaughter guarding imports like Justin Brownlee, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, or any of the new bigs coming in this season. Fans will pack arenas just to see the rare local-vs-import center clash. It brings curiosity, social media fire, and TV ratings that the league desperately needs. This isn’t just a player signing — it’s content gold.
2. It Gives Much-Needed Credibility to the Young Titan Ultra Giant Risers Franchise
Titan Ultra is still finding its identity. They’re a relatively new franchise (having taken over NorthPort’s slot) and have been struggling to build a loyal fanbase and winning culture.
Landing a four-time PBA champion, former Rookie of the Year, Best Player of the Conference winner, and genuine 7-footer like Greg Slaughter instantly changes the narrative. It tells the entire league — and the fans — that Titan is serious. It gives their young core (Fran Yu, Von Pessumal, and the rest) a veteran anchor and mentor who’s been to the mountaintop multiple times with Ginebra.
For a franchise that badly needs credibility, this is the ultimate boost.
3. It Lightens Up the Image of PBA Management
Let’s be honest — the “silent ban” storyline doesn’t look good. Blocking a 37-year-old veteran who’s willing to take a pay cut, who has already shown sincerity by flying in from Dubai for meetings, and who simply wants to play again? That paints the league as unforgiving and overly bureaucratic.
Approving this deal shows the PBA board is fair, fan-friendly, and focused on growing the league — not settling old scores. It sends a positive message to every player, free agent, and future talent: “If you want to come back and contribute, the door is open.”
The logic is simple, as one PBA insider put it: “It would be illogical for Titan Ultra to have a chance to get a 7-footer and not use him — especially when that’s exactly what’s missing against June Mar Fajardo.”
Greg Slaughter isn’t asking for special treatment. He’s asking for a chance to finish his career on his own terms while helping a new team rise. The ball is now in the PBA’s court.
PBA fans, it’s time to make some noise. Should the board approve Greg Slaughter to Titan Ultra right away? Or do you think the past issues are too big to ignore?
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