Sometimes, in basketball, rivals turn into teammates. Such is the case for Christian Standhardinger and Renaldo Balkman, who will now be playing side by side in the PBA for the storied San Miguel Beermen.
The two faced off just last April in the ASEAN Basketball League semifinals, and it was painful for the Filipino-German, as he and Hong Kong Eastern were swept by Balkman and Alab Pilipinas in the best-of-three series.
Balkman and Alab went on to become champions, ending the Philippines’ five-year title drought in the ABL.
It was also in that series that Standhardinger witnessed Balkman go berserk by unloading a league playoff record 46 points — one of those outings that raised the clamor that he should return to the Beermen as an import.
That wish of many just got granted, as the Puerto Rican is set to return to San Miguel this 2018 Commissioner’s Cup, going full circle now as his stint five years ago was hounded by controversies due to the infamous incident between Balkman and Santos.
“It’s gonna be great,” Standhardinger told Tiebreaker Times Tuesday afternoon, welcoming the addition of his ABL tormentor.
“I got much respect for him.”
It’s no secret what Balkman can bring to the Beermen this time around. Even if he’s 33, the former New York Knick has proven that he is still a cut above the rest with the way he anchors his team on both ends of the floor.
Balkman averaged 24.9 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.7 blocks in the regional pro league, where he earned co-Defensive Player of the Year honors with Singapore Slingers’ towering center Chris Charles.
“[He’s bringing in] A lot of experience. That’s always good,” remarked Standhardinger.
Now, Standhardinger hopes that with Balkman in tow, the Beermen will be able to rack up victories — one of the main reasons behind the import switch is that they have been winless in their first two assignments in the mid-season tilt.
“I hope we can win more games with him.”
