Titan Ultra owner Bryann Calantoc says negotiations with Greg Slaughter are ongoing for a potential PBA return

Former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) star Greg Slaughter is set to make a highly anticipated return to competitive basketball after signing with the Zamboanga Valientes for the upcoming Dubai International Basketball Championship. The 37-year-old veteran center, one of the most dominant big men of his generation in Philippine basketball, welcomed the opportunity to return to action and once again test himself at a high level of competition.

Slaughter, who last saw extended action in the PBA several seasons ago, described the chance to compete internationally as a refreshing step in his comeback journey. His stint with the Valientes also reunites him with several familiar faces and places him in a talent-laden roster assembled to contend in the prestigious Dubai tournament.

Joining Slaughter on the Valientes’ lineup are former Gilas Pilipinas teammate Vic Manuel, PBA scoring ace Terrence Romeo, Barkley Ebona, Nick Demusis, former NBA No. 1 overall pick Anthony Bennett, and collegiate standout Forthsky Padrigao. The blend of seasoned veterans, international experience, and youthful talent has generated buzz around the team’s prospects in the tournament.

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Beyond his immediate return with Zamboanga, Slaughter has also expressed strong interest in making a full comeback to the PBA, a development that could excite Filipino basketball fans eager to see the former top overall pick back in Asia’s oldest professional league. That possibility gained further traction after Titan Ultra Giant Risers team owner Bryann Calantoc confirmed that management is once again in discussions with Slaughter regarding a potential return.

PBA COMEBACK FOR ‘GREGZILLA’?

MLV-Zamboanga Valientes center Greg Slaughter said he remains open to a return to the PBA as he continues to feel healthy and motivated to keep playing at a high level. pic.twitter.com/jrHDRzD5A4

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It is worth noting that Slaughter’s PBA signing rights remain with Titan Ultra following the company’s acquisition of the NorthPort franchise. With the current Giant Risers roster lacking size and interior presence, Calantoc sees Slaughter as a possible solution to bolster the team’s frontcourt moving forward.

“Well, we are looking at the possibility of activating Slaughter for our next conference, hopefully the negotiations turn out positive this time,” Calantoc said in a media interaction.

The Pureblends Corp. president also revealed that Slaughter continues to draw interest across the league, with multiple teams reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring the veteran center. While Calantoc declined to identify the teams involved, reports have linked franchises such as the Phoenix Fuel Masters, NLEX Road Warriors, and Converge FiberXers to inquiries about Slaughter’s availability.

“I’d rather not divulge the names of the teams because basically those are just exploratory. But right now, the priority is to see how Slaughter will complement our current roster. We will observe the Valientes’ games in Dubai and see how he will fit in our system. We heard Slaughter has been working out so much to improve his game,” he added.

For Slaughter, the Dubai International Basketball Championship represents more than just a short-term assignment. It serves as a proving ground — a chance to demonstrate that he still has the conditioning, skill, and physical presence to compete at a high level. Strong performances in Dubai could accelerate his path back to the PBA and solidify his place in the league once again.

As the Valientes prepare to take on international competition, all eyes will be on Slaughter and how he anchors the team’s interior. Whether this return marks the beginning of a full-fledged PBA comeback or simply another chapter in his professional journey, the veteran center’s reemergence has already reignited excitement among fans and teams alike.

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