JD Cagulangan is ready to begin his professional basketball career outside the Philippines.
The University of the Philippines and La Salle Green Hills standout has officially signed with Korean Basketball League (KBL) club Suwon KT Sonicboom.
Cagulangan inked his deal with the Sonicboom on Monday afternoon – just hours before UP’s bonfire celebration – multiple sources closely monitoring the situation confirmed to Tiebreaker Times.
Suwon KT had been actively searching for an Asian import to fit head coach Song Youngjin’s system.
Previously, Dave Ildefonso suited up for the Sonicboom for two seasons but saw limited playing time.
(C) KBL
He was later replaced by Dalph Panopio, a 6-foot-1 guard out of Cal State Bakersfield, who was also released before the 2024-25 KBL season began.
The Sonicboom also considered NCAA Season 99 MVP Clint Escamis but ultimately opted for Cagulangan.
Now, they hope the 5-foot-9 floor general can mesh well with key players such as Heo Hoon, Park Jiwon, and Choi Changjin.
Currently, Suwon KT holds a solid fourth-place position in the KBL standings with a 10-8 record.
The Sonicboom are also competing in the 2024-25 EASL.
KT Suwon is currently 2-2 in the standings in Group A — which also has Taoyuan Pauian, Hiroshima, San Miguel, and Hong Kong Eastern.
Cagulangan’s signing further cements his reputation as one of the elite Filipino guards.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Though his collegiate career began with limited minutes at La Salle, he later blossomed into a star after transferring to UP.
The two-time UAAP champion and Finals MVP proved his worth during his final UAAP season.
Cagulangan averaged 11.8 points, 5.0 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game in the elimination round, earning him a spot in the Mythical Team.
He elevated his performance in the Finals, where he posted averages of 13.66 points, 4.33 rebounds, and 4.66 assists, en route to claiming Finals MVP honors.
“Wala akong masabi kundi thank you. Sobrang happy ko na napunta ako sa programang ito. Winelcome nila ako nang maayos at deserve ng UP na manalo this season. Gusto ko mag-thank you kay coach Gold. Nagtiwala siya. Di niya man ako naging player pero ‘yung tiwala niya nandoon,” said Cagulangan as he bid an emotional farewell to UP.
“Yung coaching staff, and of course, ‘yung teammates ko, ‘yung sponsors. Andon of course, sa family ko, sa kanila ako kumukuha ng lakas. Tsaka kay Tito Frank, sa Lao family. Sobrang thank you sa pag-guide.”
Now, he embarks on the next chapter of his basketball journey in South Korea.
Cagulangan is expected to arrive in Korea days after New Year’s Day.
