As soon as the San Miguel Beermen got Christian Standhardinger as the top pick in the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft, many were skeptical on how the Filipino-German bruiser will adapt to the proven and tested dynamics of the champion squad.
But for Chris Ross, it won’t be an issue.
“He’s a high-IQ guy
“From watching his games, he’s not a guy that needs plays called for him,” mused Ross as he saw the six-foot-eight forward for the first time in the Beermen’s light practice, Saturday at the Acropolis Gym.
“So anytime you could bring someone in your team like that with high IQ and kinda just plays off the ball and finds the right spots, it’s always a welcome addition to your team,” furthered the 33-year-old point guard.
But then, the results have yet to be guaranteed.
The nine-year league veteran has always put premium on chemistry. And for the new pieces — Standhardinger and import Troy Gillenwater — to work together with the veterans, Ross said that they really have to put effort on it.
“We’re looking at getting Christian and Troy getting involved in our team and our culture — just because you have guys like that doesn’t mean it makes you unbeatable. It can go the other way, you never know,” the 33-year-old defensive specialist said.
“Chemistry’s a big thing with us.
“We’ve been together for so long and our chemistry is what pushes us over the top. And we need to get those guys on page with us and I’m sure they know they need to mesh in with us,” he added.
There won’t, however, be a lot of pressure for the two, as Ross vowed that he and some of the battle-tested Beermen will guide them along the way.
“They’ll work hard to do that themselves and we’ll work hard to do it as well,” said the six-time champion. “Me, being the point guard and one of the leaders of the team, I’ll try to do it as well.
“Hopefully it goes pretty smooth.”
