No Standhardinger for Team Japeth

Christian Standhardinger will not be around when Team Japeth faces Team Mark in the Philippine Basketball Association All-Star Game on Sunday at the University of St. La Salle Gymnasium in Bacolod City.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial broke the news to DAILY TRIBUNE, saying that the 6-foot-9 banger failed to make the trip to the City of Smiles after falling ill during practice.

“He called in sick prior to leaving for Bacolod. He even has a medical certificate to prove that he’s really not feeling well,” Marcial said in a telephone conversation on Thursday.

“Even Stan (Pringle) told me that he is really sick. In fact, he vomited during their practice.”

Standhardinger is a crucial piece to the squad that is being managed by Barangay Ginebra teammate Japeth Aguilar and handled by Tim Cone.

In fact, Aguilar tapped him as the top overall pick in the All-Star draft, pitting him against seven-time PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo in the centerpiece event of the annual spectacle.

Standhardinger is the second Ginebra player to beg off after Scottie Thompson suffered a back injury. Aris Dioniso of Magnolia was tapped to replace Thompson.

But Marcial stressed that with Standhardinger begging off at the last minute, they failed to choose a replacement, forcing Team Japeth to play with a gaping hole at the middle.

“No more replacement. His advisory was already late,” said Marcial, who arrived in Bacolod City on Thursday.

Aside from the All-Star game, Standhardinger was also supposed to participate in the Skills Challenge. His spot, however, was taken by Ginebra teammate Ralph Cu.

Meanwhile, the entire PBA delegation was given a warm welcome by the local government of Bacolod to kick off the All-Star festivities.

City Mayor Albee Benitez personally welcomed the contingent led by Marcial and captains Aguilar and Barroca in the Provincial Capitol.

It’s going to be the first time for the PBA stars to play in Bacolod City after 16 years. The last time they were here, South beat North in overtime, 161-158, during the 2008 edition.

“Thank you for the warm welcome and for inviting us here, especially to Mayor Albee who happens to be our good friend,” Marcial said.

Team governors Alfrancis Chua of Ginebra, Atty. Raymond Zorilla of Phoenix, and Eric Arejola of Northport along with deputy commissioner Eric Castro were also part of the more than 150-plus contingent.