Standhardinger told to ‘buy pizza’ after tardiness in Gilas practice
Gilas Pilipinas' new big man Christian Standhardinger during the recently concluded Jones Cup in Taiwan | Contributed Photo
MANILA, Philippines — For his first training session with the FIBA Asia Cup-bound Gilas, Christian Standhardinger was late for more than half an hour.
But he was quick to make up for it on Thursday night: Finishing drills with intensity, not holding back against his homegrown teammates and most importantly, explaining to head coach Chot Reyes.
Even Gilas veteran Gabe Norwood had some words for him.
"Good guy but late. I heard that was a common thing with him," he said in jest. But overall, his work ethic, his energy is contagious."
“It was a miscommunication. I changed (mobile) numbers and we had a miscommunication,” the Filipino-German shared. “So now I have to buy pizza.”
Asked if the instruction was some sort of a penalty, the 28-year-old national team newcomer was not sure what to make out if it.
“I don't know if it's a punishment. Coach said I should buy pizza so I buy pizza. I don't question what coach says,” he added.
Standhardinger checking in. He arrived around 6:45. Practice was set at 6 pm. Pictured here explaining to @coachot why he's late. #Gilas pic.twitter.com/jyrobFAlyK
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrd) July 27, 2017
Prodded about how his mentor reacted to his apology, the big man simply took a page from a famous quote from one of the NBA’s elite ball clubs.
“How do the Spurs say it? ‘This is family business,’” he closed.
"[Standhardinger] is going to be a good thing for us because what we lack in size, we need to make up for it with speed and energy. I think he will set the tone for us," Norwood chimed in.
- Latest
- Trending
