by Waylon Galvez
The deals, signed separately, were both maximum for rookies worth approximately P8.5 million, completing the roster of the Kings who have become serious title contenders with their new acquisitions.
The signing comes just days before the start of the PBA Philippine Cup which gets going on Sunday with Ginebra facing San Mig Coffee.
The first year of their deals are each worth P1.8 million with a monthly salary of P150,000. The second year will be worth P2.7 million divided monthly at P225,000, and the third year P4.05 million or P337,500 a month.
The two rookies could have negotiated for bigger third year gross, but Ginebra held out on this. Had 7-foot Slaughter and the 6-foot-2 Forrester succeeded to get a bigger pay, they would have each gotten P420,000 a month or P5.04 million total.
Slaughter’s arrival has upgraded Ginebra coach Ato Agustin’s frontline, which includes 6-foot-9 Japeth Aguilar, 6-foot-6 Billy Mamaril and 6-foot-7 JayR Reyes, while the addition of Forrester has solidified the backcourt rotation.
The two signings could not have come at a better time. Ginebra has not won a PBA title since 2008, a drought of 15 conferences.
The prospect of being a serious title contender excites Ginebra guard Mark Caguioa.
“His (Slaughter) presence inside, talagang magda-dalawang isip ka when you drive to the basket kasi intimidating,” said Caguioa, the PBA MVP in 2012. “Tapos kapag nalagpasan mo siya, nandun naman si Japeth (Aguilar) sa likod. I haven’t really played in a team like this Kaya nga I’m really excited.”
As for Forrester, the former Arellano University standout, Caguioa said he thinks the Kings’ backcourt rotation will have him, Jayjay Helterbrand and Forrester sharing minutes at the two guard spot, while LA Tenorio, Josh Urbiztondo and Eman Monfort will man the point guard position.
Whatever combination Agustin decides as backcourt pairs will surely be a hit as all players are capable of scoring.
“I mean yung 1 and 2 (first and second unit) namin can be starters. So kami ni LA tapos, sina Jayjay and Josh then si Eman at James. Siguro medyo mahihirapan ng konti si coach Ato (rotating the players) dito pero mawawalan lang ng konting pressure sa amin because this team has a lot of scorers.”