Still fighting off jet-lag as he had flown from Munich to Doha to Manila, Filipino-German Christian Standhardinger braved his first practice with Gilas Pilipinas on a rainy Wednesday afternoon. Even after a tough workout, the 27-year-old big man was still giddy after finally being able to meet his new teammates and be initiated into the Gilas vision.
“It’s always a dream to play for a team, for a country you believe in so it’s like a dream come true.
“Great team. I think there are some many nice characters and great people and I’m excited to be here,” Standhardinger said after grabbing his post-game meal together with Raymar Jose and Mac Belo.
For years, Standhardinger has been the subject of multiple topics on online message boards. But up until Wednesday, he was just an enigma, as the German pro league he played in, ProA, had little visibility online.
Though still trying to pick-up the intricacies of the Philippine game, Standhardinger showed glimpses of his outside game that will benefit Gilas in the international field.
“It was good. I think it was successful. I understand what coach wants and he did a good job explaining what he really wants and how we can beat other teams so I think it was very good,” the former ProA Most Valuable Player said about Coach Chot Reyes’ dribble-drive system.
“I think coach expects to give everything you’ve got and I can bring to the team… I penetrate a lot to the basket, my rebounding is good so I think that’s where I can help the team the most.”
Though not knowing whether he will remain in the Philippines after the Southeast Asian Games, Reyes and the rest of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas have big plans for him.
“He’s 27, he’s been playing in the German pro leagues for quite a while so it’s about time for him personally to get to the next level. And I think this is an excellent opportunity for him,” the 53-year-old mentor remarked about the Munich, Germany-born cager.
“All the way na yan hanggang SEA Games and if I’m not mistaken, until the PBA Draft.”
For now, the young big man, who went undrafted during the 2014 NBA Draft, plans to get into “game shape” come the William Jones Cup and the SEA Games.
“I’m in shape. But there’s always a shape and there’s a game shape like you have in season,” he said.
“Obviously I’m in the summer break in the German League so now I’m trying to get back in game shape to help the team as best as I can in the upcoming tournaments.”
