THE much-awaited debut of top pick Christian Standhardinger happens tonight.
As if Philippine Cup champion San Miguel Beer isn’t loaded enough already, the Beermen unleash the prolific Filipino-German slotman in its debut game against Meralco in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
The Beermen and the Bolts (2-1) go at it at 7 p.m. today in the blockbuster main event at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
In the initial offering, unbeaten co-league leader Rain or Shine (3-0) shoots for solo leadership and its fourth straight win when it goes up against Columbian Dyip (2-2) at 4:30 p.m.
But all eyes will certainly be on the Fil-German Standhardinger, who led Hong Kong Eastern to a semifinal appearance in the recently concluded Asean Basketball League the team bowed to eventual champion Alab Pilipinas.
While Standhardinger was disappointed about his former team’s failed bid at a championship there, he now looks forward to his new journey with the star-studded Beermen. He is already practicing with San Miguel Beer for three weeks now.
“I’m so excited. I’m looking forward to help the team whichever way I can, whichever role that best fits me,” said Standhardinger. “I hope I can help the team win more championships.”
He will now join an already-loaded Beermen frontcourt, led by four-time reigning Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, Arwind Santos and import Troy Gillenwater as they take on the Bolts and their hulking import Arinze Onuaku.
The Bolts have won two games in three starts and are looking to pull off an upset against San Miguel.
While most people are interested in seeing Standhardinger make his league debut, the Elasto Painters’ only interest is to claim solo possession of the top spot, which they currently share with TNT KaTropa.
Rain or Shine, led by hefty import Reggie Johnson, is set to be tested by the unpredictable Columbian Dyip, who have alternated wins and losses thus far in four outings.