Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 7) — It’s official! SJ Belangel is headed to a neighboring country as he’s set to play as an import in the Korean Basketball League (KBL).
Belangel confirmed to CNN Philippines’ Sports Desk Tuesday that he will be suiting up for the Daegu KOGAS Pegasus in the 2022 and 2023 KBL season.
For the 22-year-old guard, the chance to see action overseas will greatly help his mission to become a better athlete and discover another culture.
“It’s a tough decision. Coach Tab (Baldwin) wanted me to stay, but for me, it’s a great opportunity for me to grow as a player and to know more about the Korean Basketball League and Korea’s culture. It will help my family as well. At the end of the day, I’ll miss Ateneo,” he said.
With this signing, Belangel will forego his final two years with the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles in the UAAP.
Already a proven winner, Belangel is no stranger to Korean fans as he buried the game-winning triple against their national team in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in Clark, Pampanga in June last year.
In the KBL, Belangel will join a Pegasus squad that is aiming to surpass its fifth place finish in the previous season.
