Jul 19, 2021

Kings, C-Stan still in exploratory stage

BARANGAY Ginebra just have to be patient with new acquisition in big man Christian Standhardinger especially after the Kings began their Philippine Cup title defense on the wrong foot.

The learning process, according to veteran guard LA Tenorio, only began for the Kings on the day they kicked off its campaign in the PBA 46th season, which unfortunately, ended on a lopsided loss against the NLEX Road Warriors, 94-75, on Sunday.

Tenorio said Standhardinger is obviously adjusting to his new role with the Kings and to the system of coach Tim Cone.

The 6-foot-8 Fil-German had eight points and 10 rebounds in his Barangay Ginebra debut, but was held scoreless in the opening half.

"Obviously medyo nahihirapan siya (C-Stan) during the game. Iba kasi yung practice sa game," said Tenorio, noting that all teams never got to play a single tune-up game prior to the start of the league's 46th season.

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"But he's a smart player. He knows kung ano yung pagkukulang niya."

At the same time, the 36-year-old point guard said Standhardinger has yet to establish a strong bond with frontrcourt partner Japeth Aguilar.

"Yung chemistry nila ni Japeth, malaking bagay talaga yun," he said of the Kings' new Twin Towers.

But the one-sided loss was not all about Standhardinger. Overall, the Kings were not just prepared going to their opening game, Tenorio pointed out.

"Nag-struggle kami. We were outworked and kulang talaga sa effort," he said. "Alam naman namin kung saan kami nagkulang especially defensively."

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"Parang hindi kami ready. Ganun ang nangyari." (RG)