Standhardinger to play for HK after Gilas stint

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BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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Thursday, August 17, 2017
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MANILA – Christian Standhardinger shut down any possibility of joining the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft after playing for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup and the Southeast Asian Games.

The 6-foot-8 Filipino-German center was set to suit up for the ASEAN Basketball League defending champion Hong Kong Eastern Long Lions after his national team duty, according to his sports agent YouFirst Sports.

Standhardinger’s agent also noted that his contract entails him to play for Long Lions also in Hong Kong basketball tournaments shutting down any possibility of him playing in the PBA until next year.

Standhardinger was being tipped as the top overall pick had he decided to join in the upcoming draft, which also has Ilonggo Kiefer Ravena, Jeron Teng, Jason Perkins, Raymar Jose, and Davon Potts as other prospects.

The 28-year-old center, in a previous interview, was noncommittal on the possibility of joining the PBA Rookie Draft after being recently released from playing in the German league.

“Definitely, the PBA is an option,” said Standhardinger. “I’m really looking to what the future brings. I became a free agent in the German league this season and right now, my options are open.”

Standhardinger played a vital role for Gilas in the ongoing FIBA Asia Cup where he averaged 15.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in two games. He also shoots 66.7 percent from the field and 77.8 percent from the free throw line.

He was absent for the national men’s basketball team during their game against Qatar due to the pain on his neck but was expected to suit up in Gilas’ quarterfinals game against South Korea last night./PN
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