Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

ADMU

SJ Belangel forgoes last two years with Ateneo, to turn pro in KBL


SJ Belangel has decided to turn a new chapter in his young career.

The 22-year-old floor general will no longer be playing out his last two years of eligibility at Ateneo de Manila University. Instead, he has decided to go pro.

The native of Bacolod will play in the Korean Basketball League.

Blue Eagles team manager Epok Quimpo confirmed the development to Tiebreaker Times.

UAAP-Season-80-Ateneo-SJ-Belangel SJ Belangel forgoes last two years with Ateneo, to turn pro in KBL ADMU Basketball News UAAP  - philippine sports news

“It is with great regret that the Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball team announces that SJ Belangel accepted an offer to play in the Korean Basketball League and will therefore forgo his last two playing years for the Blue Eagles,” said Quimpo.

The team Belangel will play in was not disclosed.

Belangel, a product of Ateneo High School, committed to the university back in UAAP Season 81.

In the next three seasons, the 5-foot-11 guard dazzled. He earned the reputation of being the most clutch player on the team despite having seniors ahead of him.

In 48 games played, Belangel normed 7.38 points and 2.08 assists per contest. In what ended up as his final year, he averaged 11.22 points per contest.

“For the past eight years, SJ Belangel has been an integral part of the Ateneo Basketball program. He started as a young recruit from Bacolod City and then blossomed into a bonafide High School standout,” continued Quimpo, as Belangel transferred from Bacolod Tay Tung to Ateneo High to finish his secondary studies.

“His college career followed a similar course, with back-to-back championships as well as individual awards.”

Besides being a standout Blue Eagle, Belangel has also served the country numerous times, playing in both Gilas Youth and Men. In fact, he is also part of the pool that will play against Korea in two friendlies later this month and in the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

#ReadMore  Alvin Pasaol fulfills promise to GF on anniv: Win Chooks 3x3 Leg Two

Moreover, his buzzer-beater against Korea made him a star in their country.

2021-fiba-asia-cup-qualifiers-gilas-vs-korea-SJ-Belangel SJ Belangel forgoes last two years with Ateneo, to turn pro in KBL ADMU Basketball News UAAP  - philippine sports news

Photo by FIBA.basketball

Belangel earned a degree in AB Interdisciplinary Studies early this month.

In his next journey, Quimpo wished Belangel nothing but the best.

UAAP-84-Mens-Basketball-Ateneo-vs-UP-SJ-Belangel-scaled SJ Belangel forgoes last two years with Ateneo, to turn pro in KBL ADMU Basketball News UAAP  - philippine sports news

“Student-athletes like SJ are hard to find and even harder to let go of. We thank SJ for donning the blue and white as we bid him well in his next journey. Once a Blue Eagle, always a Blue Eagle. One Big Fight!”

After the UAAP Finals, Raffy Verano, Gian Mamuyac, Jolo Mendoza, and Tyler Tio also decided to go pro.

Troy Mallillin would also leave the school later on.

Written By


You May Also Like

ADMU

At just 26 years old, Sandro Soriano has already walked the path most coaches spend decades trying to pave. From being a student manager...

ADMU

Kymani Ladi has yet to play a single UAAP game for Ateneo de Manila University, but the towering prospect is already drawing attention from...

ADMU

Ateneo de Manila University has secured major commitments for its volleyball and basketball programs as two University of Santo Tomas high school standouts, Paolo...

ADMU

After spending his entire academic life in the Jesuit system, Kristian Porter has made a difficult decision — to leave Ateneo de Manila University....

ADMU

De La Salle University continued its dominance at the Moro Lorenzo Gym, securing a commanding 89-77 victory over Ateneo de Manila University in the...

Basketball

Ateneo de Manila University will once again host archrival De La Salle University on its home floor, as the two squads collide in the...

ADMU

Ateneo de Manila University will not be participating in the 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, which tips off on May 18 at the Filoil...

3x3 Basketball

Every time things got heated during the UAAP Season 87 Junior High School 3×3 Basketball Final between Ateneo and UST, young Sky Jazul would...

Advertisement