PBA: Ginebra needed ‘to get younger’ says Cone after trading away vets

Ginebra Gin Kings’ Christian Standhardinger in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone said it was a difficult decision to let go mainstays Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle in order to complete a deal to acquire Stephen Holt and Isaac Go from Terrafirma.

The Gin Kings got Holt, Go and the third pick in Sunday’s Rookie Draft in exchange for Standhardinger, Pringle and the 10th overall selection in a move that was approved by the league Friday.

“It was tough to move on from Christian and Stanley who were absolute studs for us over the past few years,” Cone said. “Stanley was absolutely dominating when we first acquired him and Christian was the best player in the league next to June Mar over the past couple of years.

READ: PBA: Ginebra acquires Stephen Holt, Terrafirma gets Standhardinger

“However, on our part, we felt we needed to get younger,” added Cone.

Cone also bared that the move also had a lot to do with Standhardinger expressing his desire to be traded, something that the big man later acknowledged.

Standhardinger did clarify that he had a change of heart and was looking forward to playing another season in a Ginebra uniform.

“He had stated to us a conference ago that he would prefer to play in a different system and under a different coach,” Cone said. “No doubt, he loved his teammates and playing for the Ginebra fans, but he felt it was better to move on.

READ: PBA: ‘Crushing’ exit puts Ginebra focus on future

“Since that time, we have contemplated various deals for him before finally settling on acquiring Stephen Holt and Isaac Go and the chance to move up in what we see is a strong draft.”

Ginebra is parting ways with Standhardinger and Pringle, whom they acquired from NorthPort on separate occasions and were key in the team’s recent title runs.

Standhardinger emerged as a cornerstone for Ginebra and had been in the running for the Most Valuable Player award the past two seasons while Pringle was Best Player of the Confernece during the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup title run and transitioned himself into a role player despite dealing with injuries over the course of his Gin Kings’ stint.

“We will miss Christian and Stanley and always appreciate the championships we won together. We wish them the best as they continue their careers,” said Cone.