Sangalang shocked but excited to reunite with Abueva at Gilas Pilipinas

MANILA, Philippines — After missing an entire PBA season due to an injury, Ian Sangalang never imagined his name would be on any other player list other than the Star Hotshots’ 2016 Philippine Cup line-up.

So it came as an immense shock when Sangalang was named to Gilas Pilipinas’ 17-man pool for the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. 

“Of course I was shocked because I did not expect it at all,” the 23-year old shared with Rappler his initial reaction. “I was very surprised because I came from an injury and I did not play this past season. They haven’t seen me play.” 

The 6-foot-7 third year forward was sidelined for the 2015 season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during the Hotshots’ opening game a year ago. He only started full practices last August 18.

Star missed Sangalang’s youthful presence in the paint as well as his contributions of 7.5 points and 5 rebounds in close to 20 minutes per game. 

Yet the second overall pick of the 2013 draft never assumed anybody would remember him after a year’s absence, let alone national team head coach Tab Baldwin whom Sangalang has never even met.

“I’m very happy. It’s everyone’s dream to play for Gilas. I feel very blessed,” he gushed. “If he gives me a chance I will give everything I’ve got.” 

Baste reunion 

Not only was Sangalang’s inclusion to the pool unexpected, but it was also a welcome surprise that he would finally reunite with his college teammate Calvin Abueva. 

“I miss him because he’s such a fun person,” Sangalang spoke highly of his longtime friend, who was likewise named to the player pool set to vie for a wildcard slot at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. “He has plenty of haters but they don’t know the true character of Calvin.” 

Sangalang and the Alaska forward were teammates for 4 years at San Sebastian College-Recoletos, where they were part of the famed “Pinatubo Trio” that included Ronald Pascual, and won an NCAA championship together in 2009. 

Abueva was the first to make the jump to the PBA in 2012, followed by Sangalang in 2013 then Pascual in 2014. Now, Sangalang and Abueva have a chance to reunite for a cause much bigger than school pride and play for flag and country at Gilas.

“I miss it because now Ronald is my teammate and Calvin is in a different team from us,” shared Sangalang. “I also miss our college moments together but it’s part of the job. Though if there’s a chance we could be teammates again, why not? Especially with Gilas.”

(READ: MVP, SBP thank PBA for support to Gilas Pilipinas)

Abueva made his national team debut this year as part of the Gilas 3.0 squad that nabbed the silver medal in the recently concluded FIBA Asia Championship in China, where “The Beast” injected boundless energy, hustle, and fight into the team.

“Calvin will fight for you. You’re lucky if he’s your teammate,” added Sangalang. 

‘I am ready’ 

But it’s not just the reunion. Sangalang, who followed Gilas’ journey over the past couple of months, is eager to bond with and learn from fellow PBA players from other teams, as well as compete internationally. 

“I’ll probably learn a lot. I can bring that experience back here because other countries are really good,” said Sangalang, whose only prior national team experience was with the under-18 RP Youth Team of coach Franz Pumaren that competed in the SEABA youth tournament in 2008.

Though expected to still grope for rhythm and form coming off his injury, Sangalang is confident his body and mind are ready for Gilas. “I am ready as long as I don’t feel pain anymore.”

This is, after all, a dream come true for him. 

“It’s truly a different feeling to play for the Philippines,” he said. “When you hear the national anthem you feel goosebumps. Just watching on TV I’m already excited, what more if I was actually there.” (READ: With PBA Gilas support, SBP’s next step is bid for OQT hosting)

Sangalang will be practicing with Gilas every Monday starting November with the 12-man line-up to be revealed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas in late January. Even if he does not make the final cut, he will still fly out with the team to the tournament as is stipulated by the PBA’s resolution. 

“I’m ready for whatever happens, at least I was able to join Gilas practice,” he said, clearly not feeling any sense of entitlement despite the tough year he endured. “I’m just going to give my best and show what I can do. I’m happy just to be among the 17.” — Rappler.com