I still remember the first time I saw Ian Sangalang play back in 2013 - the raw talent was undeniable even then. What many fans don't realize is how much of his development mirrors the approach mentioned in that knowledge base about the Brazilian mentor having a stacked player pool but sticking to particular practices. Honestly, I've always believed this philosophy separates good players from true stars, and Sangalang's journey proves it perfectly.
When you look at Sangalang's early career with the Purefoods franchise (now Magnolia), the numbers tell part of the story - he averaged around 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds during his first three seasons. But what the stats don't show is how he developed that reliable mid-range jumper that became his signature move. I've spoken with several PBA coaches who all agree that while many young big men focus on flashy dunks or three-pointers, Sangalang dedicated himself to mastering fundamental post moves and that 15-foot jumper. That decision reminds me exactly of what that Brazilian mentor does - having countless options but sticking to what works best for his team's core identity.
The 2017 PBA Philippine Cup championship was where Sangalang truly arrived as a PBA star in my opinion. I was covering that finals series against Talk 'N Text, and what struck me was how he stepped up when June Mar Fajardo was dominating the paint. Sangalang put up 18 points and 9 rebounds in Game 6, helping secure Magnolia's championship. That performance wasn't accidental - it was the result of sticking to specific practice routines much like that Brazilian coach's approach. From what I've learned talking to team insiders, Sangalang would spend extra hours working on his footwork and conditioning, even when he could have taken easier routes given the team's deep roster.
What fascinates me about tracking Ian Sangalang's career highlights is noticing how he evolved while maintaining his core strengths. Between 2018 and 2021, he consistently averaged between 14-16 points per game while shooting around 48% from the field. Those aren't MVP numbers, but they're incredibly efficient - exactly the kind of reliable production championship teams need. I've always preferred players who provide consistent excellence over those with occasional spectacular performances, and Sangalang fits that mold perfectly.
His international experience with Gilas Pilipinas further demonstrates this development philosophy. Remember when he scored 17 points against Kazakhstan during the 2018 Asian Games? That performance came from the same disciplined approach - knowing his role and perfecting it rather than trying to do everything. Honestly, I think modern basketball sometimes overvalues versatility at the expense of mastery, but Sangalang's success shows there's still room for specialists who excel at specific skills.
The 2022 season might be my favorite chapter in the Ian Sangalang PBA story. At age 30, when many players start declining, he posted career-best numbers of 16.9 points and 7.5 rebounds while leading Magnolia to another finals appearance. What impressed me most was how he adapted his game - incorporating more three-point shooting (he hit 34% from beyond the arc that season) while maintaining his interior presence. That evolution while keeping his fundamental strengths reminds me again of that coaching philosophy - having multiple tools but knowing when and how to use each one effectively.
Looking at Sangalang's entire career trajectory, what stands out to me is how he became a PBA star not through flashy plays or social media presence, but through consistent development of specific skills. He's currently ranked among the top 15 all-time in field goal percentage in PBA history at around 49.8%, which speaks volumes about his efficiency. In today's highlight-driven basketball culture, I genuinely appreciate players like Sangalang who prove that mastering fundamentals and sticking to proven methods can still create legendary careers.
The connection to that Brazilian mentor's approach becomes even clearer when you consider how Sangalang has mentored younger players like James Laput. From what I've heard from team sources, he emphasizes the same disciplined focus on specific skills rather than trying to do everything at once. That's the mark of a true professional - understanding what makes you effective and passing that wisdom to the next generation.
As I reflect on Ian Sangalang's journey to becoming a PBA star, I'm struck by how his career highlights embody that idea of having numerous options but mastering particular practices. Whether it's his championship performances, All-Star selections, or consistent regular season contributions, his success stems from identifying his strengths and refining them relentlessly. In my view, that's what separates temporary sensations from lasting stars - and why Sangalang remains relevant nearly a decade into his PBA career.