Personal ‘Grand Slam’ still alive for Standhardinger as NorthPort advances to the semifinals

Christian Standhardinger’s quest for a personal triple-crown is still going strong.

The 30-year old Standhardinger, who was still a member of the San Miguel Beermen when the team won this season’s Philippine Cup and Commissioner’s Cup titles, kept the run going after NorthPort completed a king-sized upset over elimination round top-notcher NLEX, Wednesday in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Fil-German poured in 33 points, hauled down 23 boards and dished out 7 assists in 61 minutes of action to lead the Batang Pier to a thrilling 126-123 triple OT win over the Road Warriors which gave the Pido Jarencio-mentored squad a place in the semifinals opposite Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel.

The thought of being a part of all three championships of PBA Season 44, however, is the farthest from his mind according to the top overall pick of the 2017 rookie draft.

“I’m not thinking about it. Ginebra is an amazing team and, for me, the team to beat in this conference. We have to give our best. They have a winning culture for a long time. They are the established. We need to prepare good and play hard and that’s all you can do. Ginebra is a very good team and they are very well-coached. We have to get focused now,” said Standhardinger.

“To be honest with you, I’m so happy about making top four with this team. We are a young team. We just got together one and a half months ago. This is huge. We should really celebrate that you are under the best four teams this conference. This is a huge accomplishment,” he added.