TIMING is everything.
And for Ian Sangalang, it might just exactly what Magnolia needs as it makes a late push to the playoffs of the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Making his comeback from an injured right wrist incurred last May, the Kapampangan slotman is happy to see the Hotshots slowly coming together when it matters the most.
“Sakto ito,” he remarked. “Sakto ito na nakukumpleto kami kahit unti-unti at nakuha namin yung gusto namin na import na si Wayne (Chism). Yung confidence namin sa team at sa isa’t isa, nabu-build up na namin.”
In his first game back, Sangalang tallied nine points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 19 minutes on the floor in Magnolia’s 116-89 win over NLEX on Wednesday.
But the 26-year-old is the first to admit that he’s still not himself and he’s still getting his timing back.
“Kinukuha ko pa yung rhythm ko eh. Medyo takam lang sa fouls kanina,” he lamented after being whistled for five fouls in the game. “Di ko alam kung bakit foul ako agad o naiiwanan ako. Siguro dahil first time ko ulit maglaro after isang buwan kaya naninibago ako talaga. Iba kasi yung practice sa game talaga.”
What’s working for the Hotshots, though, is Chism’s do-it-all presence, giving the team a multitude of options on offense as well as a Swiss army knife on defense.
“Si Wayne, ok talaga. Makakatulong siya sa amin kasi kung may post player kami, pwede siya lumaro sa labas. Hindi kami magbubungguan sa loob. Pwede din siya pumoste kasi yun naman talaga ang laro niya eh,” said Sangalang.
At 5-5, Magnolia has assured itself of at least a playoff for the eighth spot, and Sangalang is confident that with everything meshing at the right time for the team, it can formalize its ticket to the next round against its next foe — San Miguel.
“Magandang laban yun kasi doon namin kukuhanin ang timing namin para ready kami next game,” he said. “Ako naman, I’ll be better next game. Hopefully next game, 100-percent na ako.”