It looks like Gilas Pilipinas has to solve yet another riddle
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has approved Filipino-German Christian Standhardinger’s application to play for the Philippines. He is now cleared to suit up for Gilas, but he will play as a naturalized cager.
And that is where the problem lies.
With the governing body’s acknowledgement of the Munich-born forward, Gilas now has two naturalized players in the pool, with the other one being Andray Blatche, who has been with the Nationals since 2014.
FIBA rules only permit one naturalized player in FIBA tournaments. The 2017 FIBA-Asia Cup will happen on August in Lebanon, and how Gilas will address the pending issue on who they will use is yet to be seen.
“When the coaches decide, they’ll always have to consider now if Christian is a good mix to the group,” said team manager Butch Antonio, after Gilas’ practice Tuesday at the Upper Deck Gym in Pasig City.
“Kasi, lahat naman yan will be the coaches’ decision, and based on what the needs are.”
However, Gilas, as always, is just looking at the positives despite the current dilemma.
“It’s also subject to availability. I mean, it might not be every day na Andray will be available. It’s good to have options. It’s not naman na hindi pwede si Christian or what, pero that’s true, palaisipan yan. They really have to think hard about it,” Antonio admitted.
“But again, like all things with this team, everything finds a way to work itself out.”
And aside from looking at the bright side of things, the amiable SBP official and the team is also looking at the bigger picture.
“It’s really good to have Christian on board. We will be having a lot of home-and-away games away eh [FIBA World Cup Qualifiers], and we cannot just rely on a certain batch. That’s why the concept of the pool is put eh,” he said.
Though for Standhardinger — who had failed to acquire a Philippine passport before turning 16 years old, which made him unable to play as a local — he is just elated that he can finally don the national colors, something that he has been wishing for.
“It’s great news. I’m happy I can play for Gilas and make the Philippines proud,” said the 6-foot-8 big man.
“This is a perfect opportunity to help the Philippines, and that’s what I always wanted to do.”
