Austria lauds Standhardinger in first SMB practice

Prized rookie Christian Standhardinger finally joined San Miguel Beer for the first time since being picked first overall in the 2017 PBA Draft six months ago.

The Beermen had waited long enough for Standhardinger but felt his new recruit had been with the team since the start of the season.

“He’s very approachable and he’s very accommodating and he’s trying his best to adjust that he even wants to learn how to speak Tagalog,” Austria told INQUIRER.net in Filipino on Saturday.

The latest Standhardinger could’ve joined San Miguel was the first week of May but Hongkong Eastern lost to Alab in the Asean Basketball League semifinals on April 15 allowing the 6-foot-8 Filipino-German to join the Beermen earlier than expected.

Standhardinger’s first practice with San Miguel, however, didn’t feature the starters as Austria gave June Mar Fajardo, Arwind Santos, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross, and Alex Cabagnot to an extended break.

Austria said he wants to limit the wear and tear of his starting five. He added that practice was also used to get Standhardinger acquainted with his other teammates.

“This is an irregular practice for us because some of the players are still resting with their families or are in their provinces,” said Austria. “Today was very light and I introduced him so he won’t be lost in any way whatsoever. And he’s okay, he’s quick to pick things up.”

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— San Miguel Beermen (@TheSMBeermen) April 21, 2018