Christian Standhardinger from Barangay Ginebra, has made a significant announcement regarding his retirement from Gilas Pilipinas.
In a heartfelt message shared on his social media accounts, Standhardinger expressed his deep pride in the team’s achievement of recapturing the Southeast Asian Games basketball gold. Following the path of his fellow Gilas stalwart, Jayson Castro, he has decided to “pass the torch” to the younger generation of Filipino players.
Standhardinger explained that his decision was primarily influenced by the physical toll of national duty and simultaneously playing for his mother club in the PBA. He became aware of his body’s limitations during the SEA Games finals against Cambodia, a profoundly emotional moment for him. Observing his swollen knees in the locker room prior to the game, he knew it would mark his final appearance for the Gilas national team, proudly adorned in the blue jersey.
Acknowledging the intensified demands of the tournament, Standhardinger recognized his body’s inability to sustain the double duty. Nevertheless, he was determined to give his absolute best and contribute to Coach Chot Reyes’ mission of reclaiming the gold. Reflecting on his time with the national team, he expressed immense pride in his contributions.
Standhardinger holds great confidence in the younger generation of Gilas and their ability to rise to the challenge, particularly in the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2023. He specifically mentioned Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Michael Phillips as promising big men for the national team. He finds relief and joy in knowing that the future of Philippine basketball is in capable hands.
Closing this chapter of his life, Standhardinger leaves with a profound sense of fulfillment and pride, having contributed to the glory of Philippine basketball. He wholeheartedly believes that Gilas will continue to reach greater heights, bringing more pride to their beloved nation.
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to start and conclude his journey in the Philippines with SEA Games gold medals, bidding a heartfelt “Maraming salamat, Pilipinas!” (Thank you very much, Philippines!)
At the age of 33, Standhardinger played a pivotal role in the Philippines’ victories at the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, the 2019 SEA Games in Manila, and the recently concluded 32nd SEA Games in Phnom Penh. His exceptional performance in the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup, where he was honored as the Best Player of the Conference, contributed to Ginebra’s advancement to the finals.
