If there was one bright spot for the Magnolia Hotshots Sunday evening, it’s the news of the impending return of 6-foot-7 big man Ian Sangalang.
The 26-year-old slotman, who was averaging 13.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game, fractured his wrist last May 18 against Meralco. And with him out, it has been a rollercoaster ride for the Hotshots — losing four of their five games.
Coach Chito Victolero bared that Sangalang is set to begin practicing with the team on Wednesday.
“Ian will start practicing with us on Wednesday, so makakabalik na si Ian. Ano na siya, nakaka-four weeks na ata si Ian. Four to six weeks kasi ‘yung sinasabi na healing. So nakaka-four weeks na siya, so he can start na siguro ‘yung gradual practice,” diclosed the second-year Magnolia head coach.
“This week,” confirmed Sangalang. “Dapat last Friday pero papa-check ko muna yun tapos puwede na tanggalin natalaga. Pagnatanggal [na yung bandage], puwede na ako humawak ng bola.”
Sangalang though does not see his absence as the reason why Magnolia could not get the ball rolling so far.
“Siguro di rin naman dahil sakin yun (losing streak). Kasi nahirapan din kami. ‘Yung import namin mali yung minsan mali yung timing na nakukuha na. Si Vernon [Macklin] napakaganda na tapos nakakuha kami ng hindi nag click sa amin,” he lamented.
“Parang nagpatong patong lang yung trials sa amin.”
Magnolia is planning to activate Sangalang on July 4 when they face NLEX.
