Ian Sangalang emerging as Magnolia’s next top gun

Magnolia’s Ian Sangalang. PBA IMAGES

Magnolia big man Ian Sangalang has been on a tear to start the season and his impressive showing hasn’t gone unnoticed.

In three games, Sangalang has averaged a double-double with 19.6 points and 10.3 rebounds to help the Hotshots go 2-1, prompting his veteran teammate Marc Pingris to describe the 26-year-old as the Purefoods franchise’s next big thing.

“Ian Sangalang has really stepped up every game. What I see from him is he’s going to be like the next Kerby Raymundo, Marc Pingris before and Alvin Patrimonio,” said Pingris.

Sangalang, who is in his fifth season in the PBA, nearly notched a third straight double-double with 21 points and nine rebounds in a 124-77 dumping of Kia on Wednesday.

Pingris isn’t getting any younger as he turns 37 this year, but when it’s time for him to hang up his sneakers, he knows Sangalang will be the one who fills his shoes.

“When we retire, I know that he will be the one who leads the team. I can really see that it’s going to be Ian because I can see his improvement every game, every practice.”