SJ Belangel has signed a two-year contract extension to remain with the Daegu KOGAS Pegasus in the Korean Basketball League (KBL).With this new deal, Belangel now becomes the longest-tenured Filipino Asian import in league history.
All 10 teams in the KBL have a Filipino Asian import, but only three of them play the point guard position—Ethan Alvano, JD Cagulangan, and Belangel.
Belangel Proves His Worth in Korea
In his four years playing in the league, the former Ateneo Blue Eagle has blossomed into a steady guard who is not just a playmaker but also a scorer. Below are his season averages:
- Rookie Year (2022–23): 18.8 minutes, 7.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 27.9% from the three-point area, and 42.1% shooting from the field
- Second Year (2023–24): 28.9 minutes, 12.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 34.3% from the three-point area, and 47.2% shooting from the field
- Third Year (2024–25): 29.9 minutes, 14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.6 steals, 32.5% from the three-point area, and 43.3% shooting from the field
- Fourth Year (2025–26): 31.9 minutes, 15.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.2 steals, 31.4% from the three-point area, and 42.6% shooting from the field
Belangel has been one of the KBL’s most consistent players, with his production rising with increasing playing time. He has also been durable, missing only one regular-season game for Daegu last season.
This contract extension is undoubtedly a referendum on Belangel’s invaluable contributions to the Pegasus, and it is certainly much deserved. It is also proof that the former Blue Eagle is one of most reliable and stable Filipino Asian imports in the history of the KBL.
Belangel, Pegasus Looking at Playoff Success
With Belangel’s future now secured in the KBL, Daegu will no doubt be expecting him to help lead the team to postseason success.
In the four years that the former Gilas Pilipinas guard has suited up for the Pegasus, the team has reached the playoffs only once, which came during his third season. In the best-of-five quarterfinal series against the Suwon KT Sonicboom, the Bacolod native averaged 14.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.6 steals across four games before his team was eliminated.
With Belangel’s play improving through the years, expectations will no doubt be higher than ever entering next season. And if the former Gilas guard’s recent performances are any indication, he certainly looks ready to lead the Pegasus to a much-awaited breakthrough.
