Magnolia Hotshots big man Ian Sangalang has been one of LA Tenorio’s reliables this conference, and he was at it again on Sunday. The 6-foot-7 slot man fired 16 points to help import KJ Buffen and Zavier Lucero tow the Hotshots to an 88-73 victory.
Afterward, the second overall pick of the 2013 PBA Draft credited head coach LA Tenorio for trusting him and putting him in positions to succeed while fully buying into the team’s system.
“Just staying positive and following ‘yung mga sinasabi ni Coach LA, [and] doing ‘yung mga parts na sinasabi niya sa akin every practice, always reminding me to do ‘yung mga ganung bagay,” said Sangalang in an interview with Rebanse.
Sangalang Has Plenty Left in the Tank
Aside from scoring 16 points on 7-for-11 shooting, the 34-year-old also contributed 7 rebounds and 2 assists in 27 minutes of action as he made his presence felt on both ends of the floor.
“Nare-replenish ako kapag sinasabihan niya ako ng ganun and na-apply ko naman sa game,” Sangalang added.
Thanks to Sangalang’s strong effort, the Hotshots improved to 2-3 in the PBA Governors’ Cup. The four-time PBA champion is now averaging 13.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game this conference.
Having Sangalang come off the bench has also allowed Magnolia’s younger frontcourt players like Lucero and Clifford Jopia to continue their development and gain valuable game experience, as one of them could eventually take over the veteran big man’s role in the future.
The Hotshots return to action on Friday, August 9, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, where they will take on the Meralco Bolts.
