MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-German Christian Standhardinger is ready to suit up for the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2018 starting on Saturday, June 9, according to Gilas Pilipinas manager Butch Antonio. 

“Yes he (Standhardinger) will be playing, our line-up is intact,” said Antonio during the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2018 press conference. 

Antonio also mentioned that the San Miguel Beermen forward attended the national 3×3 team’s training at the Philippine Arena in the afternoon of Thursday, June 7. 

“As a matter of fact, they had practice this afternoon, so we’re good to go,” added Antonio. 

Diagnosed with knee-related issues – patellofemoral pain syndrome and iliotibial band syndrome –Standhardinger did not play in San Miguel’s games versus Ginebra and Columbian Dyip where the 2018 Philippine Cup champion took both games. 

Standhardinger, though, had said there’s still “no guarantee” that he will play in the 3-a-side tournament but had pledged his commitment to the team. 

“I can’t put too much stress on the knee yet because I wanted to recover as good as possible on the tournament day. It’s not easy like I said, I’ll do everything in my power to play for Gilas and to play 3×3 to represent the country,” said Standhardinger after Wednesday’s game. 

Standhardinger will be joined by GlobalPort’s Stanley Pringle and Talk N Text’s Troy Rosario and Roger Pogoy in the Philippine men’s 3×3 squad. 

The Philippines is grouped in Pool C with Russia, Brazil, Mongolia and Canada. (LOOK: FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2018 Philippine team schedule)

Gilas will face Brazil in its first game on Saturday, June 9, at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. – Rappler.com