Christian Standhardinger retires from Gilas Pilipinas

After completing the gold medal redemption in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, Christian Standhardinger announced that he will retire from the Philippine men's basketball team.

Standhardinger made the announcement on Saturday as he looked back on the gold medal match between the Philippines and Cambodia last Tuesday.

"The finals game marked a highly emotional day for me. Looking down in the Locker room 30 min before tip-off at my swollen knees, I knew that this particular game would be my last appearance for the Gilas national team, proudly wearing the blue jersey," the 33-year old Standhardinger wrote in a post on Instagram.

"I knew that my body could not withstand the double duty, and unfortunately, nothing showed that more clearly than this tournament, where the demands were intensified.

"Nevertheless, I was determined to give my absolute best and contribute to Coach Chot's mission of reclaiming the gold."

Standhardinger, who played for Gilas as a naturalized player, said he was inspired by Jayson Castro's move to give a chance to the younger generation of players to represent the Philippines, citing examples such as Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Mike Phillips.

"With a heavy heart, I must announce my retirement from the Philippine national team. I am immensely proud to witness that Gilas is in capable hands," Standhardinger said.

"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.

The Barangay Ginebra big man said this most recent gold medal finish is something he will cherish in his career.

"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.

"My journey in the Philippines began with a SEA Games gold medal, and it seems fitting that it concludes with one as well."

Standhardinger also thanked those who supported him in his national team journey.

"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."

Standhardinger was part of the teams which won the gold medal for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2017, 2019, and 2023 editions of the Southeast Asian Games.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News