Blocking the noise: Standhardinger undeterred by criticism over controversial arrival at SMB

MANILA, Philippines — The resentment hounded Christian Standhardinger as he wore his team’s new jacket and hat. They were in red and white, but it it had a different team logo.

The boos lasted for a couple of seconds. Then it withered away after it got swallowed by the scattered applause.

But it didn’t bother the Filipino-German cager. 

Standhardinger was supposed to be drafted by the Kia Picanto in Sunday night’s rookie draft at Robinson’s Place in Ermita, Manila. But San Miguel, seemingly hell-bent on bouncing back after a foiled Grand Slam bid, offered three of its players and a future draft pick for the Gilas trooper.

“I don't really pay attention to these things,” the 6-foot-8 big man said. “I'm really good at just focusing on my projects … I’m just happy it finally worked out. I'll play in the PBA now and I'll play with San Miguel.”

The trade, which made the rounds a week prior the draft, drew flak not only from the fans but also from a handful of team executives. Commissioner Chito Narvasa broke radio silence on Friday night by approving the swap.

And while the frontline pairing of Stanhardinger and four-time MVP June Mar Fajardo has painted a grim picture for  opposing teams, the 28-year-old Munich native couldn’t help but express his excitement.

“June Mar is a great, great talent. He can do so many things. I'm very excited, all the matchups against us, I really wanna see that,” Standhardinger said.

“I’m very excited on playing high-low with June Mar and it's an honor and it's a great thing that I can play with a four-time returning MVP. That's what I got, that's what I had, that's what I saw,” he continued.

Asked about what San Miguel’s fans should expect from him, Standhardinger invoked the rallying cry of the national team.

“A lot of puso,” he noted. “A lot of fight, and the rest is kinda on the side. But I'm gonna fight my heart out every time.”

Standhardinger, though, won’t be suiting up until the ABL season is over. He is bound to the Hong Kong Eastern Sports Club for six months. 

“Step by step. I'm obviously trying to win a championship in Hong Kong now and after that I can't wait to be part of the PBA — a part of San Miguel,” he closed.