Standhardinger beats PBA draft deadline

The Philippine Basketball Association Draft pool just got its first legitimate talent who can turn a franchise around.

Christian Standhardinger declared for the Draft on Monday as applications for overseas-born aspirants closed, immediately becoming the hands-down top overall prospect because of his size and exemplary attitude.

The 6-foot-8 Standhardinger, whose mother hails from Angono, Rizal, easily stands out from a bumper crop of aspirants who beat the deadline, counting former La Salle ace Jason Perkins and San Beda College’s Davon Potts.

Standhardinger, 27, stood out in the Jones Cup in Taiwan, Fiba Asia Cup in Lebanon and Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia, where the Philippines took the gold medal.

He is seen as someone who can dominate the middle in the PBA much like June Mar Fajardo has done for San Miguel Beer.

The Draft is set on Oct. 29 with KIA Picanto likely to have the top overall pick.

From among the homegrown talents, the applications of Kiefer Ravena and Bobby Ray Parks are also being keenly awaited by fans.