PBA: Magnolia coach denies plans to trade Ian Sangalang | ABS-CBN

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PBA: Magnolia coach denies plans to trade Ian Sangalang

PBA: Magnolia coach denies plans to trade Ian Sangalang

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

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MANILA, Philippines -- Ian Sangalang has received assurance from Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero that he remains a crucial cog of the Hotshots.

This, amid trade rumors swirling around the veteran forward.

"(Even) before naman, wala na 'yun eh," Victolero said Wednesday. "We're not looking on that."

The 29-year-old Sangalang was the second overall pick by Magnolia in the 2013 PBA Rookie Draft. He has been the Hotshots' top scoring option inside the paint for several seasons. In the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup, Sangalang weathered injuries to put up 14.7 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.

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Victolero said he has personally told Sangalang to pay no mind to the trade rumors.

"Yun din ang sinabi ko sa kaniya, na huwag na niya isipin, walang maba-bother because last year ganoon din. So ayun, wala namang planong ganoon," he said.

"We don't want to break the chemistry, 'yung chemistry namin because maayos naman," he added.

Rather than trading Sangalang, the Hotshots are looking for someone who can help him -- a "partner," according to Victolero.

They took a big step towards fulfilling that need when they acquired Calvin Abueva in a blockbuster trade with Phoenix Super LPG on Wednesday, with Chris Banchero heading to the Fuel Masters in exchange.

However, Victolero said they still have some holes in their roster that they have to fill.

"Ang kailangan lang namin is 'yung makakatulong na posisyon, 'yung isang posisyon na 'yun or ilang posisyon para… ma-improve 'yung team namin."

"With the addition of Calvin, medyo gumanda, at I think ilang position na lang. So siguro sa draft na namin kukuhanin 'yon," he added.

Magnolia team manager Alvin Patrimonio previously said that they are looking for a big man in the Rookie Draft. The Hotshots switched first round picks with Phoenix in the Abueva trade and they will now be selecting 10th overall.

Victolero said they will first study the final list of draftees that will be released by the Commissioner's Office early next month.

"Wait and see lang muna kami," he said. "After March 5, siguro we'll try to talk kung ano ba 'yung position na dapat naming punuin, anong klaseng player 'yung kailangan namin tingnan, tapos from there, saka kami mag-start siguro."

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UAAP: UP seeks to reclaim softball crown

UAAP: UP seeks to reclaim softball crown

ABS-CBN News

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MANILA -- The University of the Philippines is set to begin its quest for a fifth UAAP softball championship as the tournament returns to the historic Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium on Tuesday.

As the season hosts and back-to-back runners-up, the Fighting Maroons will open their campaign against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles at 12:30 p.m.

Leading the charge is Season 85 Athlete of the Year and team captain Nickole Dela Cruz.

After years of coming up short, UP is determined to finally claim the crown it last held back in Season 70 (2008), and head coach Ron Pagkaliwagan believes his squad is ready to take on the challenge.

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"Mas prepared kami this season compared do'n sa past two seasons. Malaking bagay 'yung pagsali namin sa Makassar Open kasi na-gauge ko 'yung mga players kung hanggang saan 'yung kaya nila," said Pagkaliwagan, emphasizing how their international exposure has helped shape the team’s mindset after back-to-back runner-up finishes.

With Dela Cruz at the helm, alongside seniors like pitcher KC Valino and former RP Blu Girl Danica Aquino, UP retains a formidable roster eager for redemption.

"Siyempre, as a player, importante 'yung maturity. Malaking factor 'yung experience na na-gain ng mga players ko for the past two seasons. And meron ding mga rookies na nag-step up na pwedeng makadagdag sa pwersa namin this season," Pagkaliwagan added.

Meanwhile, the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Softbelles, the last team to win the championship before Adamson University’s dynastic reign, will open its campaign against a determined De La Salle University Lady Batters squad at 10 a.m.

Defending champion Adamson University, seeking an unprecedented 12th consecutive title, received an opening-day bye and will begin their season against UST on March 1 (Saturday) at 10 a.m. Later that day, the Blue Eagles and the Lady Batters will clash at 12:30 p.m.

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