Ian Sangalang's resurgence in form earns him the title of PBA Player of the Week, with the Magnolia Hotshots benefiting from his stellar performances following his recovery from thyroid illness.
Ian Sangalang is truly back to his old deadly form, and so are the rejuvenated Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots.
After battling thyroid illness last year, Sangalang is now in his best shape, showcasing a remarkable performance with 32 points and 13 rebounds in their victory against the NorthPort Batang Pier. 32 points are his PBA career-high.
Following this, Sangalang contributed 23 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in another win against the Phoenix Fuel Masters, propelling the Hotshots back into contention in the PBA Philippine Cup with a 3-2 mark.
With impressive averages of 27.5 points, 11 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, Sangalang earned the recognition as the PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week for April 10 to 14.
His resurgence is a testament to his resilience, having overcome hyperthyroidism diagnosed in January 2023, which threatened his career.
Despite missing most of last season's Governors' Cup, Sangalang persevered through treatment and recovery, making a triumphant return during the last Commissioner’s Cup.
“Inisip ko lang na challenge iyon para sa akin at may dahilan bakit nangyari iyun. Sobrang thankful ako sa lahat ng nangyari; nakita ko naman ‘yung sagot eh,” Sangalang said as he looked back to that episode.
“Thankful din ako sa coaching staff, especially kay coach Chito, sa tiwala ulit na binigay nila sa akin, sa mga teammates ko, sila yung nag-lift sa akin na makabalik dito eh. So ayun, positive lang everyday and magiging okay din ang lahat,” he added.
The Hotshots are reaping the rewards of giving Sangalang the time he needed to fully recover during his arduous journey back to health.
“Kaming lahat we’re trying to support Ian, hindi namin siya nira-rush before. Gusto namin dahan-dahan hanggang makuha niya ang kundisyon at kumpyansa nya. And now nakukuha na niya,” said Victolero. “Malaking bagay si Ian sa team namin kasi he's our best post-up player at pagbalik niya, maganda na ang rotation namin sa frontline."
The in-form Sangalang was selected as the standout performer of the week, favoring him over notable contenders like Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s rising rookie Ralph Cu, who nearly achieved a triple-double with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists in their win against NorthPort.
This includes as well TNT Tropang Giga’s leading scorer Calvin Oftana, who matched his career-high with 37 points in their thrilling comeback victory over NLEX in Candon, Ilocos Sur.