Twenty-three days after figuring in a verbal confrontation, Calvin Abueva and Christian Standhardinger found themselves on the same court once again. This time, however, they were not on opposing sides as Gilas Pilipinas ramped up its preparations for the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup.
It can be recalled during that scrimmage that pitted Gilas and the Alaska Aces, that Abueva introduced himself to the Gilas neophyte in the only way he knew how.
With just 1:09 left to play, the two were caught in a heated exchange of verbal jabs. The scene lasted for a few seconds, with both men psyching out one another. Still, cooler heads prevailed, and both the Fil-German and Gilas managed to come out victorious in the end, 120-117, edging out Abueva and the Aces.
“It’s good. Tigas, siyempre papakilala lang as Abueva,” said Abueva, who finished with 12 markers in the loss, with a chuckle.
But after the two were figured in a same team Monday night, Standhardinger, who brings the same energy to a game as Abueva does, believes that he and Abueva can be a formidable duo come the Asia Cup.
“We already said hi, we talked about family’s and our grandmas,” quipped the 28-year-old. “It’s great. He’s a great guy. I can’t wait to play with him.
“We’re gonna be great, we’re gonna be a handful. It’s gonna be fun for coach [Chot Reyes] to control us.”
