C-stand traded for Greg-zilla

MANILA, Philippines — In the wake of major personnel movements by its challengers, reigning PBA Philippine Cup kingpin Barangay Ginebra went to work by sealing a trade with NorthPort to acquire marquee big man Christian Standhardinger in exchange for Greg Slaughter.

The Gin Kings secured the rights to Standhardinger – the Fil-German bruiser whom coach Tim Cone described as an embodiment of the old-school Ginebra player – in exchange for the returning Slaughter.

“C-Stand’s strengths will fit well with what Ginebra needs as a team,” Cone said as he welcomed the 2019 Governors’ Cup Best Player of the Conference awardee to Ginebra’s star-studded crew of Stanley Pringle, LA Tenorio, Japeth Aguilar and Scottie Thompson.

“I think the Gin Kings’ fans will appreciate his style of play. He’s a throwback to the Ginebra players of old,” he added of the 6-foot-8 banger.

The one-on-one trade was Ginebra’s way of countering the strengthening efforts of contenders like San Miguel, which acquired CJ Perez from Terrafirma, and Magnolia, which tabbed Phoenix’ Calvin Abueva from Phenix.

The Batang Pier, for their part, hope to harness the improved play of the 7-foot Slaughter, who sat out the previous season to do some soul-searching and skills training in the US before returning to Ginebra last month.

“The team is thrilled to have him, knowing he worked hard in the US to polish his game,” NorthPort said.

Cone believes Slaughter has better chances of shining brighter with this new team.

“I believe Greg will go to Northport and put up much bigger numbers than he had at Ginebra and elevate that team,” he said.

The Batang Pier and Standhardinger parted ways after just two conferences. The 31-year-old Standhardinger joined NorthPort from San Miguel in the last conference of 2019 in a switch with Mo Tautuaa. He led the Batang Pier to the semifinals and won BPC honors.

NorthPort has previously said it won’t be trading Standhardinger but eventually had a change of heart and signed on the Slaughter deal.

“It was a good trade, beneficial to both teams,” said NorthPort.

“The trade reminds me of the old days when Mon Fernandez and Abet Guidaben would be traded for each other. Both premiere big men with differing skills,” said Cone.

Slaughter said he’s thankful for “a tremendous six years” with Ginebra, and is excited for his “new adventure” and the “next chapter of his story to begin.”

“I still have the best basketball ahead of me. I have so much left to give the game and just as blessed as ever to play the game I love in front of all the fans, who have been with me through it all, no matter what jersey I wear,” he said.