The sly Christian Standhardinger (No. 34) is likely to take on a new role in place of Ginebra in the semifinals. —August DELA CRUZ
Barangay Ginebra faced San Miguel Beer in the best five semi-finals at the Philippine Basketball Association Governors Cup, and coach Tim Cone could only wish that the series had lasted a little longer.
“I wish it was one of the top seven because it gives you more room for mistakes. They have proven through the last 3 matches without June Mar [Fajardo]that they can play at a high level without him,” Cone said after a quick 127-93 win over NLEX on Sunday night.
According to the seasoned tactician, it was that handicap that allowed the Beermen to open up a different and more effective playstyle.
“[T]This plays a little faster, up and down a little more. Their import (Cameron Clark) has a slightly more dominant chance inside. They were able to get through the June Mar absence brilliantly,” he added.
Knee problem
Fajardo is sidelined for at least a few more weeks due to a knee problem he suffered during the East Asian Super Cup in Japan earlier this month.
Interestingly, it was during that performance that San Miguel found his most important weapon beyond June and March. In two defeats at the hands of top Korean and Japanese clubs, CJ Perez is easily the best local for the Beermen.
“CJ is playing MVP (most valuable player) basketball. No one can stop him from getting on the basket. And he has a good balance – he hit three,” he said.
“They have a lot of weapons out there, and we’re going to have to try to figure out how to stop some of them—their imports. [and] especially CJ. They are moving the ball much better than before and I think that is one of the keys to their success in attack,” he added.
In addition to Perez, Vic Manuel and Mo Tautuaa came to life with the Beermen. Enduring various illnesses during the Commissioner’s Cup, the two played decisively for the lauded club at the end of the year.
revival
Barangay Ginebra, meanwhile, is now the team dealing with injuries.
The Gin Kings will compete without Japeth Aguilar and LA Tenorio—two integral cogs in their championship machine that have seen the club dominate the event four times in the last five. .
But like Perez supporting the Beermen, Gin Kings has enjoyed a revival of Christian Standhardinger play.
Standhardinger hit doubles with the same frequency as when he was at NorthPort. That beautiful play – which complemented the play of Scottie Thompson and Justin Brownlee – soon put him in the lead in the race for the Conference’s Player of the Year.
However, before the dangerous and deep San Miguel, the Standhardinger’s role will once again have to change.
“Christian was our June-March stopper and he was the league’s best player in terms of matches until June-March. Now when June-March isn’t there. , his duties will change,” Cone said of his high IQ and high workability. motor ward.
“We’re going to try to put him in a position where we can make the most of his defensive skills whether it’s support or self-defense of imports or whatever.” request
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