Christian Standhardinger will officially become a member of the Terrafirma Dyip. He was the no. 1 pick of the 2017 draft, a selection that originally belonged to the Terrafirma franchise (then known as Kia Picanto).
A new chapter now awaits Christian Standhardinger in Terrafirma Dyip.
The four-time PBA champion big man bid farewell to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel after he was traded to the Dyip on Saturday, July 13.
Alongside veteran point guard Stanley Pringle and the no.10 pick of this year’s draft, the crowd-favorite team are pulled off a blockbuster deal with Terrafirma to acquire rising star Stephen Holt, Isaac Go, and the no. 3 selection.
[ALSO READ: Blockbuster trade: Ginebra gets Stephen Holt, Isaac Go from Terrafirma for Christian Standhardinger, Stanley Pringle]
In a post, CStan extended his gratitude to the Gin Kings--his home in the last three years--as well as his teammates, coaches, team management, and their fans.
“I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible support and love you’ve shown me throughout my time with Barangay Ginebra. Being part of this team has been a truly unforgettable journey, and I’m grateful for every cheer, every chant, and every moment of encouragement. To the fans, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your unwavering support has meant the world to me, and it has been an honor to play for you and represent the Ginebra colors," he wrote on social media.
Standhardinger won three titles with the team and copped his lone Finals MVP award with Ginebra back in the 2023 Commissioners’ Cup.
While wearing a Ginebra uniform, Standhardinger posted his career-high, logging 41 points while adding 11 rebounds and four assists in a 103-91 loss against eventual champions Meralco Bolts in the Philippine Cup semifinals.
Ginebra went on to succumb to the Bolts in that series in seven games.
The 35-year-old big man also stated that getting traded is “part of the game".
“I acknowledge Coach Tim’s decision to trade me and respect it. It’s part of the game, and I wish him and the team all the best moving forward," Standhardinger wrote.
In a separate message, Cone explained that the trade was something both Ginebra and Standhardinger was looking for.
"He had stated to us a conference ago that he would prefer to play in a different system and under a different coach. No doubt, he loved his teammates and playing for the Ginebra fans, but he felt it was better to move on," Cone said in a message to News5's Ian Suyu.
[ALSO READ: Tim Cone bares factors in trading Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle for Stephen Holt, Isaac Go]
Meanwhile, Terrafirma superstar guard Juami Tiongson shared his reaction upon the blockbuster trade with a shock emoji tweet.
Tiongson now forms a new partnership with Standhardinger, while also getting the chance to learn under the wings of the veteran guard Pringle.
(With reports from Ian Suyu, News5)