Magnolia will welcome the return of Ian Sangalang and Rome de la Rosa when it battles NorthPort in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Hotshots board governor Rene Pardo and head coach Chito Victolero made the confirmation to Daily Tribune, saying that Sangalang and De la Rosa will be back in action as they shoot for their fourth straight win in the import-flavored conference.
The 6-foot-7 Sangalang is coming off a bout with viral infection while De la Rosa just recovered from a typhoid fever.
But both of them are now healthy and are ready to see action in their 6:45 encounter with the dangerous Batang Pier.
“We’re going to be complete tomorrow,” Victolero said in a telephone conversation.
Interestingly, Victolero is in sickbay as he is nursing a raptured Achilles that he sustained in a pickup game last week. In fact, in their previous game against NLEX, Victolero entered the venue on board a mobility scooter to protect his injured left leg.
“The important thing is for me to be in the sidelines,” Victolero said.
“My patience is also being tested as I cannot go up and contest whenever I feel there are questionable calls, but so far, I’m getting used to coaching on the sidelines with a walking boot and aided by the mobility scooter.”
Import Nick Rakocevic, who also playing banged up, played with a protection on his right knee, but felt relieved that there’s no tear on the injured part and he continue to play on.
Despite playing with a practically walking wounded squad, the Hotshots still managed to win four straight games to stay on top of the standings and they’re hoping to continue their winning run.