His perspective is agreeable.
It’s no secret that the Magnolia Hotshots have one of the deepest benches in the PBA.
This was evident after the Hotshots' dominating 104-91 victory over the Terrafirma Dyip on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Leading the charge was Ian Sangalang, who finished with 18 points and nine rebounds off the bench in the bounce-back win after suffering their first loss against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
It was Sangalang's first Player of the Game honor since returning from his battle with hyperthyroidism, a medical condition characterized by an accelerated metabolism.
“Hindi ko naman iniisip na mag-Best Player (of the Game),” he said during the postgame press conference. ”Ang gusto ko lang naman ay makabalik ako, makapaglaro ako ulit, makabalik ako sa trabaho ko dito sa team na ito, and makatulong ako.”
It took a while for the dependable big man to find his form again for the Chito Victolero-coached Hotshots.
Despite all the challenges, he stayed through the course and found ways to help the squad.
“Pagbalik ko, ang iniisip ko lang (maging) positive lang ako lagi and enjoy ko lang,” said Sangalang. “Walang pressure, and kung ano 'yung playing time na ibibigay sakin ni coach, lalaruin ko.”
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It also helps that the Hotshots have developed their big men like James Laput, Abu Tratter, and Jackson Corpuz to become solid rotation players, relieving the pressure off Sangalang.
“Sobrang saya ko kasi nung dati ako lang 'yung naglalaro (na big man), sobrang pagod na pagod ako. Ngayon every time na gamitin ako ni Coach Chito, parang sobrang fresh ko kasi nakakapag-perform ako," said Sangalang.
"Sobrang saya ko lang kasi may katulong na ako ngayon. Kailangan na kailangan namin 'yung ganito during playoffs, going to the semis, and habang tumatagal 'yung laban,” added the former NCAA MVP.
The Hotshots, who could have Calvin Abueva back, will look to continue their fine form this Saturday as they face the Converge FiberXers.
(PM)