Looks like Purefoods' title defense will get a little bit harder.
Purefoods' sophomore big man Ian Sangalang suffered a devastating injury in his right in the 73-93 Star Hotshot defeat against Alaska.
Sangalang awkwardly landed on his right foot after a rebounding battle against Sam Eman. After grimacing in pain on the floor for a few minutes, he got up, shot (and missed) both charities, and limped back on defense. He was substituted afterwards, and immediately went straight to the locker room to get checked on.
Initial readings of the big man's MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) showed two partial tears in the ACL, the same ligament that Derrick Rose tore in 2011, and the MCL, another crucial ligament of the knee .He would have to undergo surgery, and will be sidelined for five to eight months.
“Bad break. First game of the season and he’s out. I have
to talk to coach Tim (Cone). Do we need to cut short Ping’s (Marc
Pingris’) vacation now. Kung sa akin, ayoko. Ping deserves that vacation.” Purefoods' top official Rene Pardo stated.
With a Grand Slam under their belt, the Star Hotshots have a target behind them. And this latest injury seems to widen the bulls-eye on that target. (GS)
So, as I promised, here comes the first batch of rookies in this edition of the PBA Rookie Watch. We start out with number 15 to 11. So, shall we start?
15. Isaac Holstein, 7th overall, San Mig Super Coffee Mixers
lwtsPER - 15.61% - 16%
Consistency - 26.4% - 26%
Team Standing (1-5) - 3.34% - 3%
Expectations - 13.35% - 13%
My Opinion - 4.55% - 5%
Total Grade - 63.25% - 63%
Letter Value - B
Coach Tim Cone of the Super Coffee Mixers had said that Holstein is a work in progress, and I believe that if mentored rightly, this guy would evolve into one of the league's premier big men.
14. JR Cawaling, 30th overall, San Mig Super Coffee Mixers
lwtsPER - 16.49% - 16%
Consistency - 27%
Team Standing (1-5) - 3.34% - 3%
Expectations - 13.5% - 14%
My Opinion - 4.5% - 5%
Total Grade - 64.83% - 64%
Letter Value - B
This wingman, previously offered to play for Smart-Gilas, has been on a downhill road since joining the San Miguel Beermen in the ABL, and his slide continues here in the PBA.
13. Jeric Fortuna, 14th overall, Barako Bull Energy Cola
lwtsPER - 15.51% - 15%
Consistency - 25.8% - 26%
Team Standing (2-3) - 8%
Expectations - 13.2% - 13%
My Opinion - 4.4% - 4%
Overall Grade - 66.91% - 67%
Letter Value - B+
After a stint at the ABL with the San Miguel Beermen, where he played a crucial role in their championship run, everybody was expecting a major game from Fortuna. Turns out, he ultimately struggled in the big league. But, the veteran he is from an international league, I expect sooner or later a breakout game from him, provided that Bong Ramos gives him minutes.
12. Eric Camson, 16th overall, Air21 Express
lwtsPER - 19.22% - 19%
Consistency - 26.7% - 27%
Team Standing (1-6) - 2.84% - 3%
Expectations - 13.5% - 14%
My Opinion - 4.65% - 5%
Overall Grade - 66.91% - 67%
Letter Value - B+
Eric Camson has steadily been contributing for Air21, sometimes being one of the bright spots for those heartbreaking losses. Had his team got a better standing, Camson could have barged in the top 10 of rookies. We do hope for Camson's game to blossom even more here in the PBA.
11. Ian Paul Sangalang, 2nd overall, San Mig Super Coffee Mixers
lwtsPER - 18.28% - 18%
Consistency - 28.2% - 28%
Team Standing (1-5) - 3.34% - 3%
Expectations - 14.25% - 14%
My Opinion - 4.65% - 5%
Total Grade - 68.72% - 69%
Letter Value - B+
Ian Sangalang here has been contributing steadily for the Super Coffee Mixers. As with Eric Camson above, his team's standing was the only one that pulled him to this spot. If San Mig Coffee had a better standing, 3-3 let's say, he could have went from No. 11 to No. 2!
Note: Sangalang was beat by a hair, .04 to be exact, by the next guy above him. Who he is, I could not tell.
So that concludes the first batch of rookies! Get ready for the next in, like, maybe three hours? (GS)
