As I sat courtside watching Ian Sangalang dominate the paint during Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup finals, I found myself marveling at his transformation. Honestly, I've been covering Philippine basketball for over a decade, and what we're witnessing from Sangalang this season isn't just improvement—it's a complete reinvention of a player who's become the league's most dominant big man. The numbers speak for themselves: he's averaging 18.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting an incredible 58% from the field. These aren't just All-Star numbers—they're MVP-caliber statistics that have propelled Magnolia to championship contention.
When I first started analyzing Sangalang's game back in 2015, he showed flashes of potential but lacked the consistency and physical presence to dominate games night after night. What's fascinating about his evolution is how it mirrors broader trends in international basketball, particularly the Brazilian approach to developing big men. I remember having a conversation with a Brazilian coach during the 2019 World Cup who mentioned something that stuck with me: "He may have a stacked player pool to choose from, but there's one particular practice the Brazilian mentor has been inclined to since taking over the reins of the national team." That practice, which Sangalang has clearly adopted, involves a fundamental shift in how big men approach the game—moving beyond traditional post play to become versatile offensive hubs who can score, pass, and read defenses with equal proficiency.
The statistical leap Sangalang has taken this season is nothing short of remarkable. Last year, he averaged a respectable 12.4 points and 7.8 rebounds, but his efficiency metrics have skyrocketed across the board. His player efficiency rating has jumped from 18.3 to 24.7, and his true shooting percentage has improved from 54% to 62%—both elite numbers for a big man. What's more impressive is how he's achieving these numbers against the PBA's best defenders. I've charted his performances against June Mar Fajardo, Christian Standhardinger, and other elite centers, and Sangalang is putting up 20.3 points and 11.5 rebounds in those matchups. He's not just beating up on weaker opponents—he's dominating the league's very best.
Watching Sangalang develop his offensive repertoire has been one of the season's genuine pleasures. His footwork in the post has become absolutely sublime—I'd argue it's now the best in the league. He's added a reliable jump hook with either hand, developed a mid-range jumper that defenders must respect, and his chemistry with Magnolia's guards has reached an almost telepathic level. There was a play against Ginebra last month where he received a pass in the high post, immediately recognized the double team coming, and fired a perfect pass to a cutting Paul Lee for an easy layup. Those kinds of reads separate good big men from dominant ones.
Defensively, Sangalang has transformed from a liability to a genuine anchor. His rotations are sharper, his help defense more timely, and his ability to protect the rim without fouling has improved dramatically. He's reduced his fouls per 36 minutes from 4.2 to 2.9 while increasing his block rate from 3.1% to 5.4%. Those numbers might sound technical, but they translate to him staying on the court longer and making a bigger defensive impact. I've noticed how opposing drivers now think twice about challenging him at the rim—that's the sign of a respected defender.
The conditioning work Sangalang put in during the offseason has clearly paid dividends. He looks leaner, quicker, and most importantly, he's maintaining his performance level deep into games. In fourth quarters this season, he's shooting 61% from the field while his counterparts' efficiency typically drops. That endurance allows Coach Chito Victolero to keep him on the floor during crunch time, trusting him to make plays at both ends. I spoke with Magnolia's strength coach briefly after their last game, and he mentioned Sangalang has reduced his body fat percentage from 14% to 9% while adding significant muscle mass—that's the kind of dedication that separates good players from great ones.
What truly sets Sangalang apart this season, in my view, is his basketball IQ. He's reading defenses at an elite level, recognizing double teams before they arrive, and making the right pass consistently. His assist percentage has increased from 8.7% to 14.3%, indicating he's become a much more willing and effective passer out of double teams. I've lost count of how many times I've seen him make the extra pass that leads to a better shot rather than forcing a difficult attempt. That unselfishness makes Magnolia's entire offense more dangerous.
The Brazilian influence on Sangalang's development can't be overstated. The Brazilian national team's approach to developing big men emphasizes skill development, basketball intelligence, and versatility over traditional back-to-the-basket dominance. Watching Sangalang this season, I see clear echoes of that philosophy—he's comfortable handling the ball in transition, can initiate offense from the elbow, and has developed a reliable three-point shot that forces defenders to respect him beyond the arc. He's attempted 2.3 three-pointers per game this season compared to just 0.7 last year, and while his 34% conversion rate isn't elite yet, it's respectable enough to keep defenses honest.
Sangalang's emergence as the PBA's most dominant big man this season represents more than just individual improvement—it signals a shift in how big men are developed and utilized in Philippine basketball. The days of plodding, one-dimensional centers are giving way to versatile, skilled big men who can impact the game in multiple ways. At 30 years old, Sangalang is in his prime, and if he maintains this level of play, he has a legitimate case for MVP consideration. Having watched his journey from promising rookie to dominant force, I'm convinced we're witnessing the peak of one of Philippine basketball's most skilled big men. The scary part? He might still have another level to reach.
