Ian Sangalang’s focus at the moment will solely be on the upcoming Finals of the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup.
With some minor health concerns and a banged-up body, Sangalang opted to beg off from the National team in the coming window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers this week to rest his aching body.
“May mga pain kasi after semis sa ankles and ‘yung sa tuhod ko na na-ACL,” said Sangalang. “So rest is needed muna talaga para rin maging ready a finals.”
Originally a part of National team coach Yeng Guiao’s 20-man pool, Sangalang informed the team that lingering pain in both his ankles and knee will force him out of action prior to the start of the PBA Finals on Dec. 5.
Guiao confirmed the development over the weekend and he accepts Sangalang’s decision, understanding his situation.
With that, Gilas Pilipinas will now work on a 19-man pool in which Guiao would have to select two sets of 12-man teams in games against Kazakhstan and Iran.
Team Pilipinas is set for battle against Kazakhstan on Nov. 29 and against Iran on Dec. 3, both at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City in front of its home crowd.
For Sangalang, his continued rest is expected to get him ready for the Hotshots’ best-of-seven finale against Alaska.