Ian Sangalang expressed elation upon the news that he is being eyed by interim Gilas Pilipinas head coach Yeng Guiao to be part of the national team that is bound for the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers this September.
The 6-foot-7 slotman — along with Scottie Thompson, Greg Slaughter, Marcio Lassiter, and Alex Cabagnot — is seen by Guiao to reinforce the Nationals in the Qualifiers second round as they battle powerhouse Iran and Qatar.
“Sobrang happy ako to be part of Team Philippines,” said Sangalang, a four-year pro, after the Magnolia Hotshots’ win over Northport Batang Pier, Saturday. “Exposure para sa’kin.
“Sobrang saya ko lang na sa dinami-rami ng players, nasali ako dun.”
This isn’t the first time, though, that the 26-year-old Kapampangan will dip his feet into Gilas’ waters.
Three years ago, when the Gilas program still had Tab Baldwin as its head coach, Sangalang was called up for a tour of duty. He was projected to join the squad set to be sent to the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship in China.
Unfortunately, fate didn’t side by Sangalang. Although he already had two practices under his belt, the former San Sebastian Stags star had to beg off from the national team, no thanks to the knee issues that troubled him.
But now, Sangalang assures that those knee issues are a thing of the past, and he’s ready to suit up for the country.
‘Before naman na-invite naman na ako. Nag-practice naman ako twice. Pero kasi nagkaproblema nga sa knee ko so I asked permission na siguro next time na lang pag nagheal na, maging okay ako. Siguro ngayon ready naman ako.
“Kung kakailanganin ako, ready ako mag-perform,” he vowed.
