Sangalang eyes May return in PBA tour

Ian Sangalang PBA PHOTO 

Magnolia team governor Rene Pardo said big man Ian Sangalang is recovering well from thyroid illness that sidelined him for most of the just-concluded PBA Governors’ Cup.

In fact, the Hotshots are looking at seeing the 6-foot-7 slotman back with the team in time for the 2023-24 PBA season when it opens shop in October.

“Nagwe-weights na siya unti unti. Medyo tumataba na, so unti-unti na namin bine-break in,” Pardo told the Manila Times.

The PBA’s on tour games is set to kick off on May 21, and Pardo hopes to let Sangalang play during the midway portion of that preseason games as a way to reintegrate him back to the team.

“Sa darating na October na season kundisyon na yan. Hinahabol lang natin yung middle ng preseason na makalaro siya,” he added.

The 31-year-old Sangalang played just one game in the Governors’ Cup, which TNT eventually won. His absence took its toll on the Hotshots’ championship bid, who bowed to the Meralco Bolts in the quarterfinals.

But after Magnolia’s recent trade that saw the league’s third winningest club acquire Abu Tratter and David Murrell in a trade with Converge, Pardo believes the Hotshots got the upgrade they need at front court that could well complement Sangalang and veteran Calvin Abueva.

“May malaki na kami sa wakas, kaya pag nakabalik na si Ian, medyo matibay na kami,” shared the amiable Magnolia team governor. “Si David Murrell mahusay din ito dumepensa, and very athletic.”