Losing the Most Valuable Player award in the season just passed prompted Christian Standhardinger of Barangay Ginebra to show up even better in the Gin Kings’ resumption of their campaign in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
In the Gin King’s return to action this season, Standhardinger immediately made his presence felt.
The 6-foot-8 Fil-German finished with monster numbers of 25 points, 16 rebounds and five assists as he worked efficiently up front with new Ginebra import Tony Bishop in outplaying Converge, 100-86, on Friday night.
But for Ginebra coach Tim Cone, Standhardinger’s performance doesn’t mean he’s trying to make a case for the MVP award.
“Way, way, way too early to talk about that. We’ve only played one game. Christian is just doing what he needs to do for us to win games. I don’t think Christian has any thoughts of that at this point,” wrote Cone in a Viber message to DAILY TRIBUNE.
Standhardinger was the Best Player of the Conference in last season’s Governors’ Cup, making him an instant candidate for the MVP award.
Although the Gin Kings played in the championship round twice in three conferences, the award was given to JuneMar Fajardo, who went on to win his seventh MVP trophy.
Cone believes that Standhardinger is just doing whatever it takes to help the Gin Kings win without setting his sights on the individual award.
“He is playing very confidently, but that is because of all the work he puts into his off court work and practice,” Cone added.
For Standhardinger, his strong showing during their debut match was a tribute to the team’s chemistry and Bishop’s ability to blend into the Kings’ system.
“He’s got great IQ and that’s the reason why he didn’t have difficulty blending well with us,” Standhardinger said.
“But I miss playing with these guys, Scottie (Thompson), Japeth (Aguilar) and the rest of the team.”
