I still remember the first time I watched Ian Sangalang play—it was during the 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup, and even then, you could tell there was something special about his approach to the game. Fast forward to today, and it's no surprise he's become one of the most compelling figures in Philippine basketball. What strikes me most isn't just his scoring ability or his defensive presence, though both are remarkable. It's the way he embodies a certain philosophy of growth, one that reminds me of how certain international coaches, like the Brazilian mentor currently steering our national team, approach player development. That mentor, by the way, has this fascinating tendency—despite having a deep, stacked player pool to choose from, he consistently emphasizes specialized, role-specific training sessions. It's a practice he's leaned into heavily since taking over the reins, and I can't help but see parallels in Sangalang's own evolution.
When you look at Sangalang’s stats, the numbers really do tell a story. Over the past three seasons, his field goal percentage has hovered around 52%—that's not just good, it's elite for a big man in the PBA. Last conference alone, he averaged 16.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, and if you ask me, those figures only scratch the surface. What the stats don't show is his basketball IQ, the way he reads double-teams or knows exactly when to kick the ball out to an open shooter. I've spoken with a few coaches off the record, and they often mention how Sangalang spends extra hours studying game footage, something you don't always see from players with his natural talent. It’s that kind of dedication that separates the good from the great, and honestly, it's why I believe he's become such a central figure for Magnolia.
Now, let's talk about that Brazilian mentor’s influence, because I think it’s relevant here. The national team coach, despite having access to what feels like an endless supply of talent, focuses intensely on individualized drills—big men work on footwork and finishing through contact, guards on decision-making under pressure. Sangalang, in many ways, has applied a similar principle to his own career. Early on, he was primarily a low-post scorer, but over time, he's expanded his range to about 18 feet, and his free-throw shooting has improved to nearly 78%. That’s not by accident. I remember watching one of his training sessions a couple of years back—he must have taken 200 mid-range jumpers alone, each one with a coach tweaking his form. That willingness to refine his game, to add layers, is what makes him so dangerous.
Of course, it hasn't all been smooth sailing. Sangalang missed significant time in 2018 due to a thyroid issue, and I’ll admit, I wondered if he'd ever return to peak form. But his comeback was nothing short of inspirational. He dropped 24 points in his third game back, and honestly, that's when I knew he was built differently. Resilience is one of those traits you can't really measure with stats, but it's absolutely critical for longevity in this league. Look at how the Brazilian coach handles his roster—he doesn't just pick the most talented players; he looks for those who can adapt, who can overcome setbacks. Sangalang fits that mold perfectly.
Another aspect I love about his game is his unselfishness. In an era where everyone seems obsessed with highlight dunks and triple-doubles, Sangalang does the little things—setting solid screens, making the extra pass, rotating defensively. These might not always show up in the box score, but they win games. I’ve noticed that the national team under that Brazilian mentor operates similarly; there's a focus on system over individual stardom. It's a philosophy that resonates with how Sangalang plays. He’s not chasing personal accolades, and yet, he's consistently among the top performers because he makes everyone around him better.
Let's get into some specifics from last season. Sangalang’s player efficiency rating was around 22.5, which placed him in the top 10 among all local players. But what’s more impressive, in my view, is his impact on Magnolia’s defense. When he's on the floor, the team’s defensive rating improves by roughly 4.5 points per 100 possessions. That’s huge. It reminds me of how the Brazilian coach often prioritizes defensive specialists in his lineups, even if they're not the flashiest scorers. Defense wins championships, as the old saying goes, and Sangalang’s presence in the paint is a big reason why Magnolia has remained competitive in recent years.
I also want to touch on his leadership, because it's something that doesn't get enough attention. Sangalang isn't the most vocal player on the court, but he leads by example. Younger players look up to him, and I’ve heard from insiders that he often stays after practice to work with rookies on their post moves. That kind of mentorship is invaluable, and it’s another trait that I suspect the national team coach values highly. After all, building a cohesive unit isn't just about talent—it's about culture, and Sangalang contributes to that in spades.
Looking ahead, I genuinely believe Sangalang has at least another three to four years of elite production left, maybe more if he continues to adapt his game. He’s only 31, and with modern training methods, players can maintain their peak well into their mid-30s. I wouldn't be surprised if he adds a three-point shot to his arsenal soon; he's been spotted working on it during warm-ups. If that happens, watch out—he could easily average 20 points per game. But even if he doesn't, his current skill set is more than enough to cement his legacy as one of the PBA's modern greats.
In the end, what makes Ian Sangalang the ultimate basketball star you need to know isn't just his stats or his awards—it's the totality of his approach. From his meticulous training habits to his resilience and team-first mentality, he embodies the kind of player that any coach, including that Brazilian mentor with his focused practices, would love to build around. As a fan of the game, I find his journey incredibly compelling, and I'm excited to see what he does next. Whether you're a die-hard PBA follower or a casual observer, keeping an eye on Sangalang is worth your time—he's the real deal, and his story is far from over.