Standhardinger sees marked change in former team

Ginebra’s Christian Standhardinger against San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo. –PBA IMAGES

Count Christian Standhardinger among those impressed with how well the San Miguel Beer machine is humming in this Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup under its new coach.

“I think coach Jorge [Gallent] is doing a great job,” the Barangay Ginebra forward said on the heels of a narrow 102-99 loss at the hands of the Beermen on Friday.

“You see their adjustments. I have to give him credit. His adjustments are right on and you feel the difference, in my opinion, in coaching. That’s why they have such a good season, too,” he went on.

Standhardinger and the defending champions found themselves playing catchup for most of the contest at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao. They trailed by as many as 15 points despite sharing the ball more, dishing off 27 assists against the Beermen’s 20, and shooting a bit more efficiently from the field.

Limited view

Standhardinger finished with 29 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists and although he had a limited view of how Gallent runs things, he was at front row for part of former coach Leo Austria’s stint with the Beermen. The former No. 1 pick with Filipino and German roots came off the bench under Austria and won two titles with San Miguel before being shipped to NorthPort and finding his way to the popular club.

Gallent has been winning much of his games with the Beermen and the victory over Ginebra, the team’s seventh in eight games, put San Miguel into the quarterfinals with still a handful of games to spare.

The Beermen, the reigning Philippine Cup champions, are also in the running for playoff incentive, which means they could have twice-to-beat protection in playoffs and a smoother path to a second crown this season.