C-Stan says he relayed to Cone his desire to stay at Ginebra

CHRISTIAN Standhardinger clarified he had no desire to leave Barangay Ginebra at the time he was sent to Terrafirma in a blockbuster trade on Saturday.

Standhardinger shared on his Instagram Story a screenshot of his comment on Facebook, saying he relayed his intention to stay at Barangay Ginebra during an exit meeting with head coach Tim Cone.

The now-Terrafirma big man admitted he was open to being traded last year but made it clear he was intent on staying at Ginebra after an impressive season that saw him figure in the season MVP race.

READ C-Stan trade request tough to ignore, admits Cone

On Saturday, Cone said that Standhardinger’s request to be traded was tough to ignore.

“I want to emphasize that I had nothing to do with this decision as I was committed to finishing my contract with Ginebra,” Standhardinger wrote.

Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle were traded on Saturday morning by Barangay Ginebra to Terrafirma in exchange for Stephen Holt, the consensus Rookie of the Year of the 48th Season, and Isaac Go, sending shockwaves to the entire league.

Ginebra and Terrafirma also swapped their PBA Season 49 first-round picks with the Gin Kings now selecting early at No. 3 with the Dyip going down to No. 10.

Standhardinger admitted he was open to being traded a year ago, but that changed after playing in the recent season with the Gin Kings.

“Just to clarify, a year ago, I was open to being traded due to some dissatisfaction. However, after playing the whole season, I was keen on staying with Ginebra,” said Standhardinger.

‘I was good to continue’

“Recently, during my exit meeting, coach Tim asked me if I was good to continue playing for him and the team. I said yes, and he expressed his happiness to have me on board,” he added.

Standhardinger, however, said he received a call from Cone on the day before the trade.

“Coach Tim called me and communicated his decision to trade me for younger players,” said Standhardinger.

PHOTO: Jerome Ascano

Standhardinger made the clarification to fans following reports that he wanted out of Ginebra. Cone hinted such as he said Standhardinger related to him a conference ago that “he would prefer to play in a different system and under a different coach.”

“Again, I respect the decision and understand the business side of sports. I just want to clarify that I did not leave you guys,” said Standhardinger.

Here’s his post on IG Story:

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