Barako Bull coaching consultant Rajko Toroman has had the opportunity to coach both June Mar Fajardo and Greg Slaughter, giving him intimate knowledge of the potential of the two young giants. And the veteran Serbian coach sees Slaughter, tabbed to be the No. 1 pick this year by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, coming along faster than Fajardo did after being selected first overall last year. “It depends on the adjustment of Greg. June Mar has great offensive skills, but it took him two conferences before he adjusted. I think Greg needs just one conference to adjust to the PBA style of play,” Toroman told InterAKTV in an exclusive interview. “Greg is also a great rebounder and defender and is a very smart player.” Slaughter and Fajardo both began their Filipino collegiate careers in Cebu, where they started their rivalry. The expectations are high on Slaughter after Fajardo showcased dominant form for Petron in the recently-concluded Governors’ Cup. Toroman briefly coached Fajardo while he served as consultant for the Petron Blaze Boosters last season. He also handled Slaughter during his stint coaching the SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national team. “I think Greg’s advantage is his international experience. He has played a lot of times in the national team,” said Toroman. “It’s like in 2011 when guys like JVee Casio, Mark Barroca, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Lutz, and Mac Baracael entered the draft. They’re star players now on their respective teams and I expect Slaughter to be the same.” Slaughter, for his part, shrugged off comparisons between him and Fajardo. “I don’t want to pattern myself after anyone,” Slaughter said. “The only thing I will be focusing is helping my team get the wins right away. Winning and be responsible to whatever team I play for and if I land at whatever team, I will be happy If I get a chance to play for the championship.” *dEnShO
Posted on: Tue, 29 Oct 2013 03:40:51 +0000