KUALA LUMPUR–—Christian Standhardinger had just a few days to rest between his duties in the Fiba Asia Cup and the 2017 Southeast Asian Games, yet the Filipino-German big man was able to contribute right away.
Gilas’ hulking center put up a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double to lead Gilas Pilipinas to a hardfought 81-74 win over Thailand in the basketball opener of the regional games.
READ: Standhardinger signs with Hong Kong in ABL
And Standhardinger’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed.
Photo from Fiba.com
“We have to give credit to Christian for grinding it out and he really sacrificed for the glory of our country,” said shooting guard Kiefer Ravena in Filipino Monday at Sunway Putra Hotel here.
Standhardinger was only given a few days to settle in the Philippines after playing in Lebanon for the Fiba Asia Cup before he flew to Malaysia just in time for the SEA Games’ opening ceremonies.
READ: SEA Games: Gilas cadets survive Thailand
“People have to understand it’s not easy travelling from one country to another one in a different time zone, and playing right away,” said Ravena.
“Christian’s really a big help both defensively, and offensively. And it’s a big deal that you have a big guy who fights for every possession.”