Ian Sangalang is set to make his return for the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok next month after missing the last five games with an injured right hand.
Sangalang has been wearing a cast while undergoing therapy for the past four weeks after fracturing his hand in Magnolia's 81-78 win over Meralco last May 18.
"Sure na sa next game," said Sangalang before Magnolia's 104-84 loss to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday night.
Magnolia takes a 17-day break before returning to action on July 4 against NLEX at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Hotshots coach Chito Victolero expects Sangalang to participate in full-contact practices on Wednesday after spending the past weeks working on his conditioning.
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The absence of Sangalang has made things difficult for Magnolia to compete in the paint, a reason why the Hotshots have lost four of their last five games after a 3-1 start.
"Malaking bagay yun kasi wala kaming inside presence with the loss of Ian and (Marc) Ping e," Victolero said.
Pingris is sidelined by an ACL he sustained in the Philippine Cup semi-finals.
"With Ian, at least we have a post presence. Nawala kasi sa amin 15 points and eight rebounds so talagang mahirap palitan yun," added Victolero.
Sangalang is actually averaging 13.0 points and 5.5 rebounds in four games this conference.(JT)
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