Ian Sangalang is hoping for the best after sustaining a right wrist injury during the Magnolia Hotshots’ clash with the Meralco Bolts, Friday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The 6-foot-7 center hurt his wrist with 10:26 to go in the second quarter, and from there, Sangalang was never seen playing again. He left the match with four rebounds and one shot attempt.
The Hotshots still won, 81-79, thanks to Vernon Macklin, but Sangalang’s condition made Magnolia feel as if they had lost, as his status in the next games is now in doubt.
“‘Di ko talaga mailaro. Masakit. Siguro papa-X-ray ko. Sana nothing serious naman,” said the 26-year-old from Pampanga moments after the match at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
But based on his recollection, it looks like it won’t be a minor injury, as he heard something inside of his wrist.
“Feeling ko sumabit, ‘di ko alam kung kanino. May nag-pop sa loob. Parang may tumunog,” he narrated.
“Tapos na-feel ko talaga na masakit. Tapos mga ilang segundo, ‘di ko na maigalaw.
“Meron may nagsabi na fracture daw pero ngayon ipapa-X-ray namin to confirm,” added the five-year pro.
With this, Sangalang’s status for the All-Star Week has also become bleak. He is supposed to suit up for the All-Stars Luzon team that will see action in Batangas City on May 25, Friday.
But then, there’s no other choice but to be hopeful for Sangalang.
“Ganun talaga. Hindi naman maiiwasan. Basketball yan,” said Sangalang, who’s averaging 13.0 points and 5.5 rebounds so far in the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup.
“Hopefully maging okay agad.”
