SJ Belangel is one of the best players to have emerged from the Ateneo de Manila University basketball program in recent years.
His inclusion in the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) NBA2K Esports training pool last year continues to inspire the school’s representatives in this season’s UAAP Esports Tournament.
About a year ago, Belangel was part of the NBA2K pool, where 12 players were selected to represent the Philippines in the FIBA Esports Open Season 2.
Justin Lagac, a fourth-year BS Management student at Ateneo, admits to feeling awed by Belangel’s brilliance on both the hardcourt and the virtual court.
“I think it was pretty cool that he was a really good basketball player and then it translated to esports. I’d say it helped us pique an interest also,” said Lagac, who will compete in the NBA2K event slated for August 13-15 at Areté in Ateneo.
Lagac remains excited about this new venture of the UAAP, which he believes will help grow not only the NBA2K fanbase but also the UAAP fanbase as a whole.
“I think it’s a good addition to the UAAP because a lot of people play video games competitively, and I feel like it will reach a fan base that loves video games and expand the UAAP’s fanbase,” he said.
Similar to Ateneo’s Men’s Basketball Program, its NBA2K team also receives all-out support, which is a definite recipe for success and greatness in the league.
“I’d say we’re well taken care of by Ateneo. They make sure that we have all the resources we need. They also gave us a coach who helped us grow our game. And I’d say that they’re really taking esports seriously,” revealed Lagac.
The groundbreaking UAAP Esports Tournament will open on Tuesday, August 13, at Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, featuring NBA2K24 and Valorant tournaments.
The NBA2K event will begin on opening day and will be broadcast on One Sports’ YouTube channel, Pilipinas Live, the Varsity Channel, and One Sports.
