Former UV center Greg Slaughter cleared to play for Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles

Seven-foot center Greg Slaughter can now breathe a sigh of relief as he was given clearance to play in the upcoming season of the UAAP by the eligibility committee after their meeting yesterday.

Slaughter, a former stalwart of the University of the Visayas who helped the Green Lancers capture three of their nine titles in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI), is part of a stellar recruiting class by the three-time defending UAAP champions Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles alongside another rookie Kiefer Ravena.

However, Slaughter’s eligibility to play was questioned of late by some quarters of the UAAP as they alleged that the young center violated a UAAP rule as he played for the Smart Gilas Pilipinas squad while serving his one-year residency in Ateneo.

Slaughter announced the news in a text message to this writer.

“Just got word that I am cleared to play in this year’s UAAP. I’m good to go,” he said.

The Blue Eagles start their title defense on July 10, the league’s opening playdate. They tangle with the Adamson Soaring Falcons. The other game will pit the Far Eastern University Tamaraws against the La Salle Green Archers.