26/01/2026
MLV sports-Zamboanga Valientes head coach RJ Argamino needs to place more trust in Greg Slaughter.
As a 7-foot veteran with significant international experience, Slaughter’s size and skill were underutilized against Tunisia and Al Karamah—he played fewer than seven minutes in the latter match.
Despite his limited time, and lack of option for the ball, his presence in the paint visibly disoriented the opposing offense.
The team's rotation strategy also raises questions, particularly when Sam Deguara fouled out even if the Valientes have the luxury of rotating three more 6-8 plus footers on the team.
Sadly, other tall frontcourt options--- especially Slaughter--- remained on the bench. Those who watched the game last night believe that Slaughter could have helped the team more than a huffing and puffing overweight Anthony Bennett.
Clearly, Slaughter is motivated to prove something in his bid to make a return to the PBA, yet this drive hasn't been maximized in the Valientes' first two games.
While the officiating was subpar, as expected in this tournament; the Valientes must execute well enough to take the referees out of the equation.
Hopefully, the team adjusts its rotation to survive the next games and make it to the next round and showcase the true caliber of Filipino basketball in Dubai.
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