Fil-German committed to play for 3×3
By Waylon Galvez
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Al Panlilio yesterday heaved a sigh of relief following the assurance given by San Miguel Beer’s Robert Non for rookie Christian Standhardinger to play for the country in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup starting Friday at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Non told Panlilio that Standhardinger is committed to play for the PH 3×3 squad although the Fil-German is still trying to regain his fitness after suffering patellofemoral pain syndrome and an iliotibial band syndrome on his left knee, injuries he sustained during one of the team’s practice sessions.
“I spoke to Gov. Robert Non and he said Christian is committed to still play,” said Panlilio.
The national team, which also has GlobalPort’s Stanley Pringle, and TNT KaTropa’s Troy Rosario and RR Pogoy, is set to meet Tuesday afternoon for its practice session at the Meralco Gym in Quezon City.
The 6-foot-8 Standhardinger was in uniform last Sunday but coach Leo Austria opted not to play his prized forward in SMB’s 104-97 overtime victory over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
PH coach Ronnie Magsanoc also expects Standhardinger to play in the World Cup.
“The team is intact, that’s what I know,” said Maganoc.
They will start their bid Spn aturday against Brazil at 3:10 p.m. before taking on Mongolia at 6:40 p.m.
Also bracketed in Group C are Canada and Russia – teams like to give the PH team hell.