SOME help may soon come Terrafirma's way in the PBA Governors' Cup, but coach Johnedel Cardel is more focused on fixing the things ailing his Dyip right now.
Christian Standhardinger's case, in particular. Since being acquired in a pre-season trade with Barangay Ginebra the 6-9 Fil-German has put up decent numbers with two-game averages of 13.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists while making 13 of 24 field goal tries.
It is Standhardinger's demeanor of not being aggressive enough that has caught the attention of many and caused Cardel to shake his own head.
"Kinakausap ko naman, na kailangan siya ng team, kailangan maglaro siya ng expected sa kanya. Pati management kinakausap rin siya, pero tingnan natin," related Cardel, admittedly at a loss as to why his game has taken a dip.
"Sana magising na lang, na kailangan niyang magtrabaho, maging agresibo ulit tulad noong nandoon pa siya sa Ginebra," added Cardel.
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The top pick overall in the 2017 Rookie Draft should indeed be his old assertive self if Terrafirma hopes to overcome Meralco in their 5 p.m. clash Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Bolts are eager to get back on track after losing badly to TNT, 73-93, last Thursday that dropped them to 1-1 in Group A.
Coach Luigi Trillo, active consultant Nenad Vucinic and the rest of Meralco may have to find ways to win without Chris Newsome, who remains day-to-day due to sprains on his left knee and ankle.
Import Antonio Hester is also out to make a more forceful performance for the Dyip after averaging just 15.5 points and 10. 5 rebounds, while shooting just 13-of-32 from the field.
Should Newsome be unable to see action, expect Meralco to rely more on Allen Durham, Raymond Almazan, Aaron Black, Bong Quinto and Chris Banchero the most.
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Louie Sangalang is set to make his season debut after missing out Terrafirma's first two games due to a left foot injury.
The 6-4 lefty should be of immense help up front in case Standhardinger fails to snap out of his doldrums since, aside from Almazan, the Bolts also boast of Cliff Hodge, Brandon Bates, Norbert Torres and Kyle Pascual in its frontline. (NC)
