With the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals series still on-going, Christian Standhardinger cannot join the rest of Gilas Pilipinas for its preparations in the 2018 Asian Games.
Still, he is confident that he can mesh well with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters-backed Gilas Pilipinas bound for the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, despite issues mostly concerning time.
The 6-foot-8 Filipino-German, who’s one of the players tasked to reinforce the Elasto Painters in the meet, attended Gilas’ practice Tuesday night. But he did not take part in the session, as he only spectated from the sidelines.
But even if he just sat there, Standhardinger watched attentively, and from watching alone, he then knew that he can blend well with the system Guiao and his former team Elasto Painters have been accustomed with.
“I’m very confident that I can learn them fast and I can execute as good as they’re meant to be,” said the 29-year-old tenacious rebounder.
“I saw the plays already, and we did a great job, they’re making it as simple as possible for us because we are a new team.”
Still, it doesn’t hide the fact that he and Gilas is pressed for time in preparing for the quadriennial meet. After Tuesday, the Nationals now only have six days left before flying to Indonesia on August 14 — two days prior to their first game.
But ever optimistic, Standhardinger is positive that he and the team will fight as hard as they can.
“We have our obstacles but I think that’s where we as Filipinos play the best — fight to the end, show the puso.
“I’m confident and I hope that we will bring that on the court and be as successful as possible,” he said.
This will be the fifth Gilas duty of Standhardinger, or two months after donning the country’s colors in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup here. With that, the San Miguel Beermen forward couldn’t be thankful and honored enough.
“I’m honored. That shows that coach [Yeng Guiao] believes in me as a player, and I also have to show that,” he expressed.
“I’m just happy and honored to be able to play again for Gilas.”
