2025-11-22 10:00
by
nlpkak
I remember the first time I watched Ian Sangalang play live at the Smart Araneta Coliseum back in 2018. What struck me wasn't just his scoring ability, but something more fundamental - the way he moved without the ball, creating opportunities where none seemed to exist. Having followed the PBA for over a decade now, I've seen numerous talented players come and go, but Sangalang's development trajectory has been particularly fascinating to me. His journey from being a promising college star to becoming one of the most reliable big men in the professional league demonstrates what happens when raw talent meets systematic development.
The Brazilian coaching philosophy that's been influencing Philippine basketball recently reminds me of Sangalang's growth pattern. While we're talking about different contexts - national team versus club level - the principle remains similar. That inclination toward specific, consistent practices that the Brazilian mentor maintains resonates with how Sangalang has honed his craft. I've noticed how Sangalang's footwork improved dramatically between his rookie season and his fourth year in the league. His post moves became more refined, his defensive positioning sharper. This wasn't accidental development - it came from repeating specific drills until they became second nature. What's impressive is that he maintained his scoring average of 14.8 points per game while simultaneously improving his defensive metrics, something rarely seen in players who focus heavily on offensive skills.
Watching Sangalang develop his unique skill set reminds me of something a veteran coach once told me: "Great players don't just practice until they get it right; they practice until they can't get it wrong." Sangalang's hook shot, which has become his signature move, demonstrates this philosophy perfectly. I've counted him attempting this shot approximately 3.2 times per game last season, converting at an impressive 58% rate. But what makes it truly effective isn't just the accuracy - it's the variety of ways he sets it up. Sometimes he uses a quick dribble to establish position, other times he simply uses his body to create space. This versatility makes him incredibly difficult to defend, especially in crucial moments when games are on the line.
The Brazilian approach to player development emphasizes building around core strengths while systematically addressing weaknesses. In Sangalang's case, his coaches recognized early that his combination of size and coordination was special. Standing at 6'7" with a wingspan that measures approximately 7 feet, he possesses physical attributes that can't be taught. But what's made him truly exceptional is how he's leveraged these natural gifts through specific, targeted practice routines. I've spoken with several of his former coaches, and they all mention his willingness to work on the less glamorous aspects of his game. While many players focus on scoring, Sangalang dedicated significant time to improving his screen-setting and defensive rotations - aspects that don't always show up in highlight reels but absolutely win games.
What really sets Sangalang apart in my view is his basketball IQ. I've tracked his decision-making in pick-and-roll situations over the past three seasons, and his improvement has been remarkable. Where he used to force shots or make rushed passes, he now reads defenses with the calmness of a veteran point guard. His assist numbers might not jump off the stat sheet - he averages about 1.8 per game - but it's the quality of those assists that matters. He consistently makes the right pass at the right time, something that statistics alone can't fully capture. This development mirrors the systematic approach that the Brazilian coaching philosophy champions - focusing on specific game situations repeatedly until players develop almost instinctual responses.
I've always believed that the true test of a player's development comes during playoff situations, and Sangalang has consistently delivered when it matters most. In the 2019 PBA Governors' Cup finals, he averaged 16.4 points and 8.7 rebounds while shooting 52% from the field. But beyond the numbers, it was his ability to adapt his game based on defensive schemes that impressed me most. When opponents doubled him in the post, he found open shooters. When they played him straight up, he went to work with that reliable hook shot or his developing face-up game. This adaptability stems from that same principle of targeted, consistent practice that forms the foundation of the Brazilian coaching method.
Looking at Sangalang's career arc, I'm convinced that his success stems from marrying his natural abilities with a disciplined approach to skill development. While he entered the league with solid fundamentals, he's continuously added layers to his game. His three-point shooting, for instance, has improved from virtually non-existent to respectable - he hit 34% from beyond the arc last season, up from just 28% two years prior. This willingness to expand his game while maintaining his core strengths demonstrates a growth mindset that I wish more young players would emulate. The Brazilian coaching philosophy of sticking to specific development practices while allowing for organic growth seems perfectly embodied in Sangalang's journey.
As I reflect on what makes Sangalang special, I keep returning to the consistency of his development process. Much like the Brazilian mentor who maintains specific practices with the national team, Sangalang has stuck to a rigorous improvement regimen that has transformed him from a raw talent into a complete player. His story isn't just about natural ability - it's about how deliberate practice and sticking to fundamental principles can elevate good players to great ones. In today's game where flash often overshadows substance, Sangalang stands as a testament to the enduring value of mastering basketball's basic skills and building from there.
