Standhardinger likes chances with Terrafirma

MANILA, Philippines —  New teams, same goals.

The likes of Christian Standhardinger and Rey Nambatac go into the PBA’s Season 49 wars wearing different jerseys but with the same winning mentality they carried in their old clubs.

“I think I fit well,” said Standhardinger, who’s now with Terrafirma after three fruitful seasons with Barangay Ginebra.

“Obviously, I have to adjust to the new system but it’s a good fit and I’m trying my best to be as efficient as possible to the new system of this team.”

Standhardinger and fellow transferee Stanley Pringle look to provide experience to the Dyip’s holdovers led by Juami Tiongson and Kemark Carino in the new season that kicks off tomorrow.

“We’re looking solid. Obviously, there’s a certain difference in level of expectations (compared to Ginebra). But I think all of us, we just want to affect winning and add to the winning culture that has already been created by them last year, winning one game against San Miguel which was a huge upset so just build from that and keep going,” he said.

Nambatac aims to score a career milestone with defending champion TNT after a short stint with Blackwater in Season 48 and six seasons with Rain or Shine prior.

“In my seven years sa PBA hindi pa ako nakakatungtong ng finals, hanggang semis lang. Blessing na napunta ako ng TNT, meron silang winning culture na, parang nandun ako, one step na lang, in God’s perfect time, makakarating ako ng finals,” he said.

“Pero bago mangyari ‘yun, kailangan naming pagsikapan. I will do my best para makatulong sa team,” vowed Nambatac, who adds firepower to the Tropang Giga’s resident gunners RR Pogoy and Calvin Oftana.

Stephen Holt and Isaac Go, who were instrumental in the Dyip’s impressive campaign in the previous conference, seek a similar objective with new team Ginebra.

“I’m here to win,” said Holt.