Louie Sangalang earned his first Player of the Game honors after Terrafirma’s narrow win over NorthPort in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup on Wednesday, April 24.
Terrafirma coach Johnedel Cardel knew Louie Sangalang could fare well in the PBA way before he threw his name into the 2023 Draft.
The former three-peat NCAA champion with Letran had the heart and toughness, two of the main ingredients to hold one's own against the best of the best.
That was why when the draft unfurled at the Market! Market! in Taguig last September, Cardel did not hesitate to tab Sangalang as the 22nd overall pick.
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“Kilala ko na 'to nasa Letran pa 'to. He is a big help for us kasi may small big man na kahit ganito kalaki, sumi-seal 'to kaya matapang talaga ang puso nito,” Cardel said of the 6-foot-4 forward.
“Playing in the PBA, kailangang malaki ang puso mo. Kapag medyo mahina-hina ka dito, walang mangyayari sa career mo. Kailangang maging tough ka.”
But while it has looked like he was PBA-ready right off the bat, Sangalang begged to differ.
“Nag-adjust din naman ako. Kasi mahirap, mas pisikal lalo 'yung mga mas nakatatanda,” Sangalang said with a hearty laugh.
Good thing his elder teammates have made the transition relatively smooth.
“Sa practice pa lang, pisikal din 'yung mga kuya ko kaya nakapag-adjust din,” he added.
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It appeared that he has already adjusted well as he earned the Player of the Game distinction.in Terrafirma’s 110-108 win over NorthPort on Wednesday night, April 24.
Sangalang finished with a career-high 19 points he embellished with five rebounds, two assists and two blocks for the Dyip, who reached five wins for the first time in Cardel’s tenure.
Sangalang, though, insisted that he is just doing his job as Terrafirma improved its chances of repeating its sole playoff appearance in 2016.
“Sobrang kailangan namin 'tong panalong 'to para magka-chance [kaming] makapasok sa playoffs,” said Sangalang,