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Ginebra big man Christian Standhardinger against the Phoenix defense. – PBA PICTURES
MANILA, Philippines-Ginebra’s Christian Stanhardinger responded remarkably to the squad’s big player problem with Japeth Aguilar out and coach Tim Cone taking notice.
After the Gin Kings won 109-89 against Phoenix in the PBA Governor’s Cup tournament on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum, Cone praised Stanhardinger who came away with Player of the Game.
“He didn’t have heavy minutes when Japeth was there. They split time together but with Japeth out, he got big minutes and when we had to go to him, he responded big time. Big time,” the top coach said.
In addition to leading Ginebra to its sixth win in eight games, the center also had a triple-double with 28 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists.
Rebounding, Stanhardinger said, is the goal to bring to the table, especially with Aguilar’s knee injury.
“Obviously, we all know Japeth is gone, so we have to come together as a team and balance the strengths that he brings to the team. One of those strengths is rebounding,” the 33-year-old Stanhardinger said.
However, he insisted that he cannot do what Aguilar did for Ginebra, especially in the blocking department.
“I’ll be honest, I’m not going to be out there trying to stop shots. Maybe that’s something I need to work on in the offseason, but I can bounce back, especially in my game right now.
In true Cone fashion, the veteran tactician made sure to acknowledge the role players played in helping the Gin Kings (6-2) hold on to the third seed.
“Von (Pessumal) played a great game tonight and he did the things Von is supposed to do for us. Stanley (Pringle) played well. Guys coming off the bench played well, even Sydney (Onwubere) played well. [I] just a great feeling for the guys coming off the bench today,” said the mentor.
“As much as we rely on startups, they need help.”
Yes, Cone and Stanhardinger’s request was met by the Commissioner’s Cup champion. The Gin Kings bench scored a total of 31 points and also defeated the Fuel Masters by a score of 65-51.
Next up for Ginebra is Converge at the Philsports Arena on Sunday.
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