I remember the first time I watched Ian Sangalang play - it was during the 2017 PBA Commissioner's Cup, and something about his movement on the court just caught my eye. There was this particular play where he grabbed an offensive rebound against two defenders and still managed to score while drawing a foul. That's when I started paying closer attention to his statistics, and let me tell you, the numbers reveal some fascinating patterns about what makes him such an effective player.
Looking at Sangalang's career stats, one thing that immediately stands out is his remarkable consistency. Over his eight seasons with Magnolia Hotshots, he's maintained a field goal percentage hovering around 52-55%, which in basketball terms is pretty impressive for a big man. What's even more interesting is how he's evolved from being primarily a low-post scorer to developing a reliable mid-range game. I've noticed that his points per game have steadily increased from around 8.2 in his rookie season to consistently putting up 14-16 points in recent years. But here's what really fascinates me - it's not just about the scoring numbers. His rebounding stats tell another part of the story. He averages about 7.5 rebounds per game, but what the basic stats don't show is how many of those are crucial offensive boards that lead to second-chance points for his team.
There's this comparison I like to make between Sangalang and some of the other prominent big men in the PBA. While other players might put up flashier numbers in terms of scoring, Sangalang's efficiency is what sets him apart. He doesn't force bad shots - something I wish more young players would learn from watching him. I recall a game last season where he went 8-for-11 from the field while the opposing team's star big man took 22 shots to score just two more points than Sangalang. That kind of smart shot selection might not always make highlight reels, but it wins games.
The reference to the Brazilian mentor's approach actually reminds me of something I observed about Sangalang's development. Much like how the Brazilian coach sticks to certain core principles despite having abundant talent to choose from, Sangalang has maintained his fundamental playing style while gradually adding new elements to his game. He didn't suddenly try to become a three-point shooter just because it's the trendy thing to do - instead, he focused on perfecting his footwork in the post and developing that reliable hook shot that's become his signature move. I've counted at least 12 different games where he's hit that same hook shot to either tie or take the lead in the final two minutes.
What really makes Sangalang special, in my opinion, is his basketball IQ. The stats show he averages only about 1.8 turnovers per game despite being frequently double-teamed in the post. That's significantly lower than many other big men who handle the ball as much as he does. I remember talking to a scout who mentioned that Sangalang studies game footage religiously - apparently he has this notebook where he records defensive tendencies of opposing players. That dedication shows in how he reads defenses and makes quick decisions with the ball.
His durability is another aspect that doesn't get enough attention. Through the 2022-2023 season, he played in 48 out of 52 possible games, which is remarkable considering the physical nature of his playing style. The training staff once told me about his rigorous recovery routine - ice baths, proper nutrition, the works. It's this professional approach that has allowed him to maintain his productivity even as he's gotten older in a league where big men often see their numbers decline due to wear and tear.
Watching Sangalang evolve reminds me of why I fell in love with basketball analytics in the first place. The numbers tell one story, but when you combine them with what you see on the court, you get this complete picture of a player who understands his strengths and plays to them perfectly. He might not be the most athletic or flashy player, but his stats reveal a pattern of smart, efficient basketball that any coach would love to have on their team. And honestly, I think that's the real secret to his winning career - knowing exactly who he is as a player and constantly refining that identity rather than trying to be something he's not.