Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
Photo by FIBA.basketball

2023 FIBA World Cup

SJ Belangel excited to face Korea in World Cup Qualifiers


Gilas Pilipinas guard SJ Belangel was just like everyone else on Tuesday evening, waiting on who the Philippines will be slotted with for the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

And when the Philippines was announced as grouped with arch-rival South Korea, the 22-year-old Ateneo guard could not hide his smile.

“Sobrang excited!” the 5-foot-10 native of Bacolod quipped to Tiebreaker Times.

Who could ever forget the magical night Belangel had against Korea back on June 16?

With the game knotted at 78-all and 2.5 seconds left, Belangel – on one foot – launched a desperation triple over the defense of the much bigger Lee Seonghyun. It was the “Miracle in Angeles.”

2021-fiba-asia-cup-qualifiers-gilas-vs-korea-SJ-Belangel SJ Belangel excited to face Korea in World Cup Qualifiers 2023 FIBA World Cup Basketball Gilas Pilipinas News  - philippine sports news

Photo by FIBA.basketball

Four days later, Gilas proved that their win over South Korea was no fluke. They completed their sweep of the qualifiers with an 82-77 win.

The World Cup Qualifiers will begin in November this year, with two more windows in February and June. Also grouped with Gilas and South Korea are New Zealand and India.

For his part, Belangel plans on working harder than ever so that he can earn another Gilas call-up and another crack at South Korea.

2021-fiba-asia-cup-qualifiers-gilas-vs-korea-SJ-Belangel-x-Dwight-Ramos SJ Belangel excited to face Korea in World Cup Qualifiers 2023 FIBA World Cup Basketball Gilas Pilipinas News  - philippine sports news

Photo from FIBA.basketball

“Kailangan ko muna paghirapan ang slot ko para makalaro kalaban sila muli at ma-represent yung country,” said Belangel.

“It’s a goal to face them again but may steps pa na need ma-accomplish. Step by step muna.”

#ReadMore  Baldwin forms 'youngest Gilas ever' for now and the future
Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

LAPU-LAPU CITY – Australia head coach Brian Goorjian believes that Gilas Pilipinas is about to go on a ‘surge’ with Tim Cone now manning...

Basketball

At the tender age of 21, Kai Sotto has already experienced what most Filipino basketball players could only dream of. After leaving Ateneo High...

Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone is absolutely certain that Kai Sotto will dominate Asia in the years to come after witnessing the latter’s...

Basketball

Once considered the cornerstones of Gilas Pilipinas’ future, Kai Sotto, Carl Tamayo, AJ Edu, and Kevin Quiambao are finally turning that dream into reality...

Basketball

Jamie Malonzo figured in a brawl at a fast food chain in Bonifacio Global City hours before Gilas Pilipinas’ homestand against Chinese-Taipei on Sunday....

2024 Summer Olympics

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone bared that invitations have come their way for their build-up toward the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 in...

Basketball

Justin Brownlee did not disappoint in his much-awaited return to a Philippine basketball court on Sunday night, leading Gilas Pilipinas to a dominant victory...

Basketball

With the opening window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers officially over, Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone revealed that Justin Brownlee is...

Advertisement