Feb 24, 2021

Abueva-Sangalang tandem looking to sustain winning ways

AS a duo, Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang have been proven to be a winner in the past.

They hope to relive those moments now that they're together at Magnolia in their first ever partnership in the PBA.

The two college buddies practiced as teammates for the first time on Tuesday when the 33-year-old Abueva officially joined the Hotshots in their group workouts at the SGS gym in Quezon City.

"Sana nga magawa ulit namin," said Sangalang, recalling how his collaboration with Abueva produced championships during their time with San Sebastian in the NCAA and NLEX in the D-League, respectively.

Abueva came on board for Magnolia following the trade with Phoenix in exchange for Chris Banchero as well as a couple of draft swap made by the two ballclubs.

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While he looks forward to winning a title with the Hotshots, the former NCAA MVP said he has to adjust first at how the system of coach Chito Victolero works.

"Maninibago ng kaunti. Kailangan pag-aralan pa yung sistema sa Magnolia," said Abueva as he joined Sangalang as guests in sports program The Game.

"Kailangan matutunan muna yung adjustments sa team ko ngayon."

Aside from Sangalang, Abueva has also teamed up with Magnolia guard Jio Jalalon before, but he's excited at the prospect of sharing the floor together with Paul Lee, Mark Barroca, and Marc Pingris for the first time.

Sangalang said he was happy with the way Abueva played during the last Philippine Cup bubble while still with the Fuel Masters, who fell a win short of making it to the finals for the very first time.

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Hopefully, he'll be the same bundle of energy for the Hotshots this season, according to Sangalang.

"Malaking bagay sa amin si Calvin. Siya yung missing spot sa team namin," said the lanky Magnolia big man. "Kung mapapansin ninyo noong mga nakaraan, lagi kaming talo sa dulo kasi merong kulang sa amin.

"And yung kulang na yun, I think kayang punan ni Calvin yun." (RG)