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    Standhardinger's Finals MVP a nod to hardwork, says Cone

    C-Stan surprised to win Finals MVP award. Not Cone
    Jan 16, 2023
    Christian Standhardinger Alfrancis Chua
    PHOTO: Jerome Ascano

    CHRISTIAN Standhardinger was named the Finals MVP of the 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup and no one was more surprised than he himself.

    Standhardinger said he didn’t see the award coming since all he focused on all series long was his defense. He was even more concerned about his personal well-being since he was also cramping up at one point during Game Seven.

    “I hurt my leg and (said), ‘Oh wow’ and I jumped out there,” said the 33-year-old Standhardinger.

    READ: Dragons take a week off after 'perfect storm' of a Game 7

    “After the game, Christian was cramping also,” confirmed Ginebra coach Tim Cone. “He had to sit down, brought a chair from the stands, and sat down because he couldn’t stand anymore.”

    Standhardinger mustered the strength to receive his award after his name was called as the winner of the Finals MVP trophy. But Standhardinger said he had his teammates to thank first and foremost for the individual accomplishment.

    Christian Standhardinger Ginebra game 7 finals mvp

    “Those were my teammates. The way they passed me the ball. I was trying to focus on defense in this series. That’s why I’m very, very surprised with regards to getting the reward,” said Standhardinger.

    Cone said Standhardinger was a reflection of the hardwork that Ginebra put in during the finals against Bay Area.

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    “Usually, you aren’t going to recognize the guy that does the hardwork, defending [Andrew] Nicholson early, he set all the screens, running all over the place, he just comes out and plays with such great mile everytime.

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      "And so I’m really, really pleased that he was honored for that and recognized for that rather than give it to the guy who was the top scorer,” said Cone.

      The distinction is among the biggest in Standhardinger's collection, which included the Best Player of the Conference award during the 2019 Governors’ Cup.

      “I told a lot of people that Nicholson was a handful. I just focused on Nicholson. I didn’t even focus on my offense. That’s why this is such a surprise that I got the MVP. It’s much appreciated. I’m happy that people saw that.

      "When Nicholson was out, I was still trying to focus on my defense, trying to be better on the help side, helping Scottie [Thompson] where I can get the wing import under control. I’m so happy that we were able to do that and I’m just so happy we won."

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      PHOTO: Jerome Ascano
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