Top prospect Sangalang keen to be reunited with former coach Agustin at Ginebra

Ian Sangalang has made no effort to hide his desire to join the popular Ginebra ballclub. Jerome Ascano

DAVAO CITY - Ian Sangalang has made no effort to hide his desire to be part of the popular Barangay Ginebra ballclub.

He wants it more, now that Ato Agustin is Ginebra coach.

The 6-7 native of Lubao, Pampanga has expressed his desire to be reunited with his former coach and fellow Kapampangan after his stint with Davao ballclub The Royal Mandaya Hotel-CMO in the recent Mayor Rody Duterte-Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte Kadayawan basketball tournament.

“Any team for me is fine for as long as I am drafted," said Sangalang, who along with provincemate Calvin Abueva won an NCAA championship for San Sebastian with Agustin as head coach. "But if I will have my wish, I want to be a King.”

Sangalang is expected to be one of the lottery picks in the next PBA rookie draft set on November 3 along with fellow big men Greg Slaughter of Ateneo and Raymond Almazan of Letran.

Sangalang's manager, Pampanga vice governor Dennis Pineda, has also expressed his wish to have the former NCAA MVP play for the league's most popular ballclub.

Slaughter was Sangalang's teammate at TRMH-CMO in the Davao tournament

Sangalang, who along with Slaughter also plays for the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA D-League, impressed the Davao crowd while playing four games for the Hoteliers with his speed and dexterity.

“He is fast enough for a big man. He will surely make waves in the PBA,” said Jek Melendres, liaison officer of The Royal Mandaya Hotel squad.

While waiting for the November draft, Sangalang admitted he is being asked to play as practice player for Rain Or Shine which is coached by another Kapampangan, Yeng Guiao.