Standhardinger, Dyip in talks

MANILA, Philippines — Terrafirma center-forward Christian Standhardinger is in the middle of talks with Dyip management regarding his future in the PBA and what to do next when his contract expires on Dec. 31 is still up in the air.

Standhardinger, 35, met with PBA Terrafirma governor Bobby Rosales the other day to discuss options. He could renew his contract, renegotiate, ask for a trade or even retire. But surely, there remains a strong demand for the Bulldozer who has played on four PBA championship teams and three SEA Games gold medal national squads.

Under PBA rules, Standhardinger will begin to enjoy the seven-year unrestricted free agency status after 21 conferences which coincides with the league’s 51st season in 2026. Until he reaches the threshold, Standhardinger’s playing rights are bound to Terrafirma. Rosales said Terrafirma will tender an offer to retain Standhardinger when his contract expires so that the franchise keeps his rights until he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

Terrafirma has started strength and conditioning drills to prepare for the coming Commissioner’s Cup which begins on Nov. 27. Back in harness is star guard Juami Tiongson who sat out the team’s last six games due to a hyperextended knee in the ongoing Governors’ Cup. Rookies Mark Nonoy and CJ Catapusan are now in harness after completing their MPBL obligations. Rosales said coaches are still evaluating import candidates for the next conference where the height is unlimited and Hong Kong Eastern will play as a guest team.

Terrafirma underwent a major coaching change at the end of the Governors’ Cup eliminations where the team wound up last in Group A with a 1-9 record. Head coach Johnedel Cardel has been replaced by assistant Raymond Tiongco in the interim. Ronald Tubid remains team manager.

Cardel confirmed his exit from Terrafirma in a phone call from Guangdong yesterday.  He left for China last Thursday to join a team led by Alfonso Kaw playing in a 50-and-over tournament. “I’m grateful to Terrafirma and Boss Bobby for the opportunity to be a head coach in the PBA, a dream come true,” he said.