Christian Standhardinger has four championships and two Best Player of the Conference nods in seven years in the PBA.
Christian Standhardinger was nowhere to be found in the Terrafirma Dyip’s 116-87 loss to the Converge FiberXers at the PhilSports Arena on Wednesday, November 27.
Prior to the opening game day of the PBA Sesaon 49 Commissioner's Cup, Standhardinger was listed in the injured/reserve list.
It turned out, CStan had plans to retire from the league after a decorated seven years that included four PBA championships.
Team governor Bobby Rosales confirmed this development to News5 on Thursday, November 28.
“He informed the team of his retirement. His contract will expire year end and he was informed of his obligations. The Office of the Commissioner has been informed of the matter,” Rosales said in a message to News5.
Shortly after the loss on Wednesday, new head coach Raymond Tiongco bared the two-time Best Player of the Conference had not been showing up in practice.
“No comment. Alam niyo na 'yun,” said Tiongco said when asked to give an update on Standhardinger during the post-game press conference.
“'Di na, 'di na (nagpa-practice),” he added.
Standhardinger was drafted first overall by San Miguel in 2017. He was shipped to NorthPort before finding his niche with the Gin Kings where he won four championships. He even became the Finals MVP of the Season 47 Commissioner's Cup.
Before the start of Season 49, Ginebra sent the 35-year-old cager, along with Stanley Pringle, to the Dyip for Isaac Go and Stephen Holt.
Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone explained back in July that Standhardinger preferred 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.
[ALSO READ: Tim Cone bares factors in trading Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle for Stephen Holt, Isaac Go]
Meanwhile, Terrence Romeo showed up in street clothes at the venue to support his new team while Vic Manuel was out due to illness.
Tiongco also revealed Romeo is still nursing an undisclosed injury.
Romeo and Manuel were sent to the Dyip from San Miguel for Juami Tiongson and Andreas Cahilig.
[ALSO READ: Terrafirma coach Tiongco hopes to field in Romeo, Manuel in second game vs NorthPort]
(With reports from News5)