The status of one of the pillars of this Gilas Pilipinas batch, Christian Standhardinger, is questionable for the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers’ sixth window.
Last week, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas unveiled a 14-man pool for the pivotal window in the Philippines’ World Cup campaign. Two of those spots went to 6-foot-8 Christian Standhardinger and 6-foot-11 Andray Blatche – both of whom are classified as naturalized players.
However, when asked about his commitment to the national team for the final two windows of the group stages, Standhardinger shared that he might not be with Gilas this time around as he is still recovering from a nagging knee injury.
“To be honest with you guys, I’m very… As you guys can see my knee is recovering, but I have to build strength now,” the 29-year-old Filipino-German shared.
During Blatche’s suspension, Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle alternated duties as the team’s naturalized player. In the two games Standhardinger played, he posted norms of 23.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. However, Gilas suffered two losses to Iran during those games.
Gilas has its back against the wall, as it cannot afford to lose against Qatar (February 21) and Kazakhstan (February 24). Both games are on the road.
This time around, Standhardinger believes that Blatche – who is averaging 11.7 points and 11.8 rebounds in six WCQ games – can carry Gilas in the last two games.
“So, I’m so happy that Blatche is now part of the pool, because he is great basketball player,” added Standhardinger.
“He will now carry the torch and he’s gonna do great. And I have to focus on recovering my knee and focus on San Miguel.”
Still, Standhardinger is not closing his doors on Gilas. For the loyal Gilas soldier, though, it is about time that he recovers from his injury after representing the Philippines in international competition for the last two years.
“If they need me, everybody knows they can call me up.
“I play injured or not injured. But right now, I’m very happy that they have Blatche and he will carry it. Blatche is a great basketball player. I don’t have a bad feeling. I’m focusing on my knee and San Miguel now,” said Standhardinger, who was even wearing a jogging pants with the Philippine flag on it.
For now, however, he won’t be attending the practices of the team, which begin on Monday.
