MANILA -- The International Basketball Federation, more commonly known as FIBA, has given Filipino-American basketball player Greg Slaughter the green light to play for Team Pilipinas as a homegrown player.
In a letter written by FIBA secretary general Patrick Baumann to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Sonny Barrios, FIBA cleared the seven-foot Ginebra center to play for the Philippine team through an exemption to the so-called "passport rule" as the organization said he failed to establish a solid proof to back up his claim that he got a Philippine passport before the age of 16.
"After a thorough review of the documentation provided by your federation, please be informed that FIBA herewith exceptionally authorizes the player Gregory William Slaughter to play for the Philippine national team without restriction in accordance with Article 3-21.b of the FIBA Internal Regulations," the letter read.
FIBA took into consideration the fact that the former UV and Ateneo beanpole, who got his passport barely a month after he turned 17, lived in the Philippines for good along with his family at age 19, and completed his college studies here.
FIBA, however, clarified that this will be a one-and-done deal.
"FIBA reserves the right to apply Article 3-21.b more restrictively in future cases," FIBA's letter stated.
With the development, head coach Yeng Guiao now has a luxury to only choose between Stanley Pringle and Chris Standhardinger as his naturalized player for the September 13 World Cup Qualifiers game at Iran. (PNA)
