Ian Sangalang was named as the conference’s MVP in PBA D-League. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines – Ian Sangalang won’t be returning to San Sebastian after all.
Stags head coach Topex Robinson told INQUIRER.net Saturday that Sangalang, who had said he will forego his final playing year, “had second thoughts” and wanted to rejoin the team in the coming NCAA Season 89.
But the “negotiations” to bring him back “didn’t push through.”
“I just talked to him (Sangalang) yesterday (Friday) and he wished the team all the best,” said Robinson. “He really wanted to go back but you know, there are some things we don’t have control of.
Robinson added that the NCAA Season 88 MVP’s change of heart came too late with the NCAA just right around the corner.
The new season opens in less than a week.
Without the six-foot-six beanpole, San Sebastian will rely heavily on its five holdovers and newcomers.
Expected to make an immediate impact are Fil-American Leo de Vera, who can matchup problems at the four spot with his outside touch, and CJ Perez, who had drawn comparisons to Calvin Abueva with his high motor and versatile play during the Stags preseason stint.
The 22-year-old Sangalang last suited up for EA Regen, which failed to advance past the quarterfinals despite having an influx of talent, in the recently concluded PBA D-League Foundation Cup.