Chito Victolero, the coach of Magnolia Chicken Timplados, expressed optimism about the recovery of seasoned center Ian Sangalang from his thyroid ailment, which kept him sidelined for a significant portion of the previous PBA Governors’ Cup season.
Despite his participation in three games during the recently concluded PBA On Tour, where the 6-foot-7 Sangalang showcased his skills, Victolero clarified that this decision was part of a “trial phase” to gauge his response to competitive basketball.
“Actually, during the midpoint of the preseason, we allowed Ian to play in order to assess his performance on the court. Subsequently, we decided to gradually integrate him into play,” Victolero said.
After just three games, in which the 31-year-old big man from Pampanga averaged 1.3 points and 4.0 rebounds in 14.3 minutes, the team management opted to withdraw him from the exhibition series to ensure a complete recovery.
“We want to avoid hurrying his recuperation process. The medical team’s recommendation is for a gradual recovery, and fortunately, he has over two months to prepare,” elucidated the 2018 PBA Coach of the Year. (ai/mnm)