Standhardinger playing through ‘a lot’ of pain Fiba 3×3 World Cup

BOCAUE, Bulacan—Christian Standhardinger has long established his bruising presence even before he played in the PBA for San Miguel.

The Filipino-German is known as a hardnosed power forward for Hong Kong in the ASEAN Basketball League and for the Philippines during the Southeast Asian Games.

Standhardinger once again got a chance to wear the Philippine tricolor and even a lingering knee injury couldn’t stop him from representing the Filipinos in the Fiba 3×3 World Cup.

READ: Standhardinger cleared to play in Fiba 3×3 World Cup

“It hurts a lot but it didn’t claw up on me so we’re good,” said Standhardinger after helping leading the Philippines to a 15-7 win over Brazil in Pool C. “I feel awesome about the first game because we won.”

“I think there’s so much more I can make but I think I did well.”

Standhardinger had three points in the game that saw him tussle underneath with Brazilian big men Carlos Silva Jr. and Marcellus Sarmento.

READ: Standhardinger doing ‘everything in his power’ to play in Fiba 3×3 World Cup

San Miguel’s prized rookie added that he didn’t mind the physicality in the 3×3 as the PBA delivers more painful hits.

“I think a lot of people have to get used to the physicality of 3×3, but it’s not even close to the physicality in the PBA,” said Standhardinger. “I have much respect on that, but I think Calvin Abueva and the other guys in the PBA prepared us greatly for this game.”