CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
In his first game in the Philippines, Christian Standhardinger showed why he was the most sought-after player in the Philippine Basketball Association Rookie Draft.
His team, Eastern Long Lions of Hong Kong, also gave rookie coach Jimmy Alapag and Tanduay Alab Pilipinas a glimpse of what it has to overcome in its bid for Asean Basketball League glory.
The 6-foot-8 Standhardinger, whose trade from Kia to San Miguel caused an uproar in the PBA, came up big down the stretch as Eastern spoiled Alapag’s coaching debut, 92-89, before a big Sunday night crowd at Mall of Asia Arena.
Standhardinger will remain a member of defending champion Eastern for the rest of the ABL season, but his 26-point, 14-rebound output may have gotten Beermen fans’ excited.
In front of his future coach, Leo Austria, and San Miguel teammate, Chris Ross, the hulking Filipino-German showcased his polished offensive game, fine footwork and hustle plays, before drilling two important baskets that put away the home team in the end.
“I will stay [in Hong Kong] for five months, then come back to join San Miguel and hope I can help them win championships,” said Standhardinger.