Standhardinger to sign pact with Beermen before leaving for ABL

MANILA, Philippines – Christian Standhardinger flew from Hong Kong Saturday night for a whirlwind Manila journey, savoring the moment as the top pick in the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft then immediately flying back to Hong Kong guaranteed of a lucrative contract from San Miguel Beer.

 Standhardinger and future teammate June Mar Fajardo formed a towering duo on the stage as the Beermen welcomed the Fil-German player as their prized catch in the well-attended draft exercise at Robinson’s Place Manila.

“I’ve always wanted to play in the PBA. I’m grateful with the draft selection. Now, I can’t wait to start playing in the PBA,” said Standhardinger.

Forty-four players made the draft roster and all made the 2017 draft class, hearing their names called in the draft proceedings.

Kiefer Ravena, Raymar Jose, Jason Perkins and Jeron Teng, as expected, were the draftees behind Standhardinger. Ravena went to NLEX, Jose to Blackwater, Perkins to Phoenix Petroleum and Teng to Alaska Milk.

Other aspirants drafted in the first round were Robert Herndon (GlobalPort), Rey Nambatac (Rain or Shine), Sidney Onwubere (Phoenix), Lervin Flores (Star), Mark Tallo (Star), Jon Jon Gabriel (Star) and Jett Manuel (Ginebra).

Second round choices were John Grospe, Joseph Gabayni (Star), Emil Palma (Blackwater), Julian Sargent (Star), Louie Vigil (SMB), Davon Potts (Alaska), Jomari Sollano (ROS), Gwynee Capacio (Star), Jayson Grimaldo (Phoenix), Monbert Arong (TNT), Wilson Baltazar (Phoenix) and Andreas Cahilig (GlobalPort).

Though considered as the shallowest PBA draft pool in years, the draft exercise went all the way to the fifth round with Jhon Sumido being drafted 44th and last – by Blackwater.

Kia and Meralco, without draft selections in the first two rounds, tabbed Chris De Chavez and Jebb Bulawan, respectively, in the third round.

Ginebra, meanwhile, felt it got a draft steal in Manuel.

“We’re lucky to get him at No. 12,” said Ginebra top official Alfrancis Chua in acquiring the rights on Manuel, who made good impression in his Chooks To Go-Pilipinas stint in the recent FIBA Asia Champions Cup.

Considered as solid picks are Standhardinger, Ravena, Jose, Perkins and Teng.

“We all know that he’s a live contract (with the Hong Kong Eastern Long Lions in the ABL). We’ll talk to the commissioner for the right procedure. But we’ll sign him to the regular initial contract before he leaves for Hong Kong,” said San Miguel top official Robert Non.

Standhardinger is bound to receive around P8 million in an initial three-year pact with San Miguel that will take effect after the completion of his contract with the ABL in April or May.

Shortly after gaining the honor as the top man in the 2017 PBA draft class, Standhardinger said he’s happy to be part of the PBA and the San Miguel ball club.

“Prior to this, a lot of things were going on and we didn’t know what will happen. Now that we’re here, I’m happy and can’t wait to play with June Mar,” said Standhardinger.

Asked what’s he’s bringing to San Miguel, Standhardinger said: “A lot of passion, puso and spirit.”

Ravena, Jose, Perkins and Teng were all ecstatic, though, settling for runner-up honors behind Standhardinger.

“It’s a blessing and this is a big moment not just for me but the whole family,” said Ravena, heading the cast of second-generation players that made the 2017 draft class.

“It’s been my dream from as long as I can remember. I can feel that this is also a dream come true for my father,” added Kiefer, son of 1992 Draft No. 5 pick and eventual Rookie of the Year winner Bong Ravena.

“I’m happy to be with Alaska Milk, a team with a great reputation and tradition,” said Jeron Teng, son of former San Miguel defensive specialist Alvin.