For the sake of the PBA, let Northport keep Standhardinger for a few years

(c) PBA Media Bureau

I watched the game between Northport and San Miguel and it was fun. Even though Standhardinger did not put up monster numbers, he still look like the leader of the Batang Pier and he fits very well with the role!

His whole team was obviously invigorated with his presence. With a new import who played well and with Christian's arrival, the other Batang Pier played like a door for a good future suddenly opened.

And watching June Mar Fajardo and Christian Standhardinger play against each other, proved to me that the two are rivals and their rivalry could be a a historic one.

If Fajardo is like a Kraken, destroying everyone on his path, Standhardinger is like a lion, hungry to devour opportunities, not only for himself but for his teammates.

Now, that win of Northport against San Miguel was not a fluke. It felt like a showcase of a brewing title contender.

Kevin Ferrer exhibited his elite three-point shooting. Jervy Cruz delivered points like a former UAAP MVP should do. Bolick was as masterful as a point guard as you could hope for. Nico Elorde proved that his defense is effective against elite guards. And of course, their new import has the ability to go toe-to-toe with Wells.

The amazing depth of talent and skills that surrounds Christian Standhardinger makes me believe that Batang Pier may have traded their way into a championship-caliber team.

Now, they just need to do one thing that they have failed to do in the history of their franchise and that is to keep their franchise player.