When I first started following the Philippine Basketball Association back in 2015, I immediately noticed Ian Sangalang's unique presence on the court. There was something about his footwork that reminded me of the classic big men from the 90s, yet he moved with a modern fluidity that made him stand out even among established stars. His journey from being the third overall pick in the 2013 PBA Draft to becoming one of the league's most reliable power forwards wasn't just about natural talent—it was a masterclass in dedication and systematic skill development that I've come to admire deeply over the years.

Looking back at Sangalang's early career, what struck me most was how he transformed his game through what I'd call 'purposeful practice.' Unlike many players who rely solely on athleticism, Sangalang approached his development with almost academic precision. I remember watching his rookie season where he averaged 12.8 points and 7.5 rebounds—respectable numbers, but nothing that screamed future star. What many casual observers missed was his commitment to refining specific aspects of his game. He'd stay after practice for hours, working on his mid-range jumper until he could hit 80 out of 100 attempts consistently. His post moves weren't just rehearsed; they were studied, broken down, and rebuilt with nuances that made them effective against different defensive schemes.

The turning point, in my observation, came during the 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup when Sangalang really started putting everything together. His statistics jumped to 16.2 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, but numbers alone don't capture how his game evolved. He developed that signature up-and-under move that became virtually unstoppable, and his defensive awareness improved dramatically. I recall specifically watching him against June Mar Fajardo, the league's dominant center, and noticing how Sangalang had learned to use his body positioning to compensate for any physical disadvantages. This wasn't accidental improvement—this was the result of countless hours studying game footage and working with coaches to identify and address weaknesses.

What fascinates me about Sangalang's development is how it mirrors the approach taken by high-level international programs. The reference to the Brazilian national team's practice methods resonates strongly here. 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—the emphasis on specialized, position-specific training combined with understanding one's role within the system. Sangalang embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly. Rather than trying to do everything, he focused on mastering the skills that made him most valuable to his team. His dedication to skill development created a player who might not always dominate headlines but consistently delivers when it matters most.

I've always believed that true greatness in basketball comes from mastering the fundamentals while adding unique personal touches, and Sangalang exemplifies this. His hook shot, for instance, isn't textbook—it has a slightly different release point that makes it harder to block. Yet he's refined it through repetition to the point where it's become a reliable weapon. This attention to detail extends to his mental game too. Watching him play, I've noticed how he reads defenses two or three moves ahead, something that can't be taught through drills alone. It comes from film study, experience, and that basketball IQ that separates good players from great ones.

The 2019 PBA season was where everything truly came together for Sangalang, and honestly, it was beautiful to watch. He put up career-best numbers—18.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per game—while shooting 52% from the field. More impressive than the statistics was how he performed in clutch situations. I remember specifically the semifinals series where he scored 28 points against a top-seeded team, including the game-winning basket with 2.3 seconds left. That moment wasn't luck; it was the culmination of years of practicing last-second scenarios, of developing not just physical skills but the mental fortitude to excel under pressure.

Sangalang's evolution into a PBA star through dedication and skill development offers what I consider a blueprint for aspiring players. Too many young athletes today focus on flashy plays or trying to emulate highlight reels. Sangalang's approach—methodical, disciplined, and focused on sustainable improvement—demonstrates that lasting success comes from building a foundation and then expanding upon it systematically. His journey proves that while natural talent might get you noticed, it's the daily commitment to getting better that turns potential into stardom. As someone who's followed basketball for decades, I find Sangalang's career particularly inspiring because it shows what's possible when talent meets tireless work ethic and intelligent approach to development.