Louie Sangalang will always be happy to do the yeoman job for Wangs Basketball @26-Letran.
That’s why even when the stars aren’t present for the Knights, one can expect the same level of vigor from the 6-foot-4 forward.
It was the case when Wangs-Letran made its debut in the 2022 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup as Sangalang proved to be the rock in its 94-87 win over Adalem Construction-St. Clare.
The 24-year-old put up 21 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks as he more than made up for the absence of top guns Fran Yu and Rhenz Abando, while also showing the Knights still have a dependable body down low even after the graduation of Jeo Ambohot.
“Kailangan talaga namin mag-step up, lalo na sa mga naiwan talaga. Kailangan namin ma-fill yung naiwan nila,” he said.
Sangalang’s monster efforts were enough to earn him the maiden Cignal Play-PBA Press Corps D-League Player of the Week award for the period July 7 to 9.
It was the first time the group, made up of sportswriters and editors covering the beat, have given the weekly honor in celebration of the developmental league’s 10th season.
He edged Centro Escolar University gunner Jerome Santos, who put up a season-best 36 points against AMA Online, as well as Marinerong Pilipino guard Jollo Go and EcoOil-La Salle forward Michael Phillips for the historic nod.
Yet as impressive as Sangalang’s first game is, Knights coach Bonnie Tan is just demanding consistency from his wards as they try to make the most of this stint in the PBA D-League.
“Sabi ko sa kanila babalikan ko kayo whatever yung result natin dito, lalo na kung matalo kami. Very short yung preparation pero kailangan nila ipakita yung galing nila every game,” he said.
You bet, Sangalang will be there to give it his all day-in and day-out.
