Being a vital part of the national men’s team that restored the country’s pride in Southeast Asian Games basketball proved to be the right time for Christian Standhardinger to hang up his Gilas jersey.
And Standhardinger did just that, four days after Gilas Pilipinas completed its mission of redemption and regaining the SEA Games basketball throne.
On Saturday, Standhardinger announced his decision to retire from the Philippine men’s basketball team, a few days following the Gilas’ successful gold medal match with Cambodia last Tuesday in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
“As I close this chapter of my life, I leave with a sense of fulfillment and pride in contributing to the glory of Philippine basketball. I have complete faith that Gilas will continue to soar to greater heights and bring more pride to our beloved nation,” said Standhardinger on Instagram.
The 33-year-old Standhardinger has been with the national squad that won the gold medal for Gilas Pilipinas in 2017, 2019, and 2023 editions of the SEA Games.
As a professional, he has a three-year contract extension with Barangay Ginebra in the Philippine Basketball Association.
“My journey in the Philippines began with a SEA Games gold medal, and it seems fitting that it concludes with one as well,” added Standhardinger.
With Standhardinger around, Gilas Pilipinas reclaimed the gold medal in the 32nd SEA Games after downing a reinforced Cambodian squad, 80-69, in the finals on Tuesday in Cambodia.
“Out of the three gold medals I have proudly won for my country, this one holds a special place in my heart. Surrounded by remarkable individuals, both as players and, more importantly, as human beings, I couldn’t ask for a better last experience. It is an absolute privilege to witness a team coming together in such a unique and remarkable way,” he said.
Standhardinger recently signed a three-year contract extension with Barangay Ginebra.
“As you all saw, Brandon Rosser and Mike Phillips showcased their exceptional skills every single game. The future of Philippine basketball is in good hands, and this brings me both relief and joy,” he added.