In Purefoods’ two games this conference, the one guy who stepped up big time in the absence of the injured Ian Sangalang is Yousef Taha.
With Sangalang out for six to eight months due to an ACL tear and Marc Pingris yet to return, it was the energetic Taha who responded well to the challenge.
The 6-foot-8 Taha is averaging close to double-double per game. His intensity during the game didn’t escape the attention of Pingris, the ultimate energy and hustle guy for the Purefoods Star Hotshots.
“At least ginagampanan niya yung trabaho ni Ian. Ipinapakita niya na kahit wala si Ian o wala ako, nagpapakita siya ng energy. Duma-dive siya sa bola,” said Pingris on Taha.
On Friday, Purefoods enlisted Don Allado in time for Sunday’s game.
The veteran slotman played key minutes for the Hotshots and his veteran presence will be needed more than ever according to coach Tim Cone.
“He’s a veteran and he understands the triangle. He’ll help the young guys with our execution,” Cone said.
Allado played for Cone’s Alaska team more than a decade ago, helping the team to the 2003 Invitational Cup title over Coca-Cola.
