Belangel, KOGAS Negotiating Extension as Japan, PBA Lurk

SJ Belangel and Daegu KOGAS Pegasus are negotiating a new contract following the end of his previous deal with the Korean Basketball League club, his agent Marvin Espiritu of Espiritu-Manotoc Basketball Management told ALL-STAR Magazine.

KOGAS has presented Belangel with a formal multi-year offer to remain with the team, Espiritu said.

Belangel is not in a rush to make a decision as he evaluates the next step of his career after another productive season in South Korea.

KOGAS still holds Belangel’s KBL rights, making him a restricted free agent within the league’s framework.

Belangel likes the KBL and remains open to staying in South Korea, but he is also willing to see what other opportunities may be available, Espiritu said.

Teams from Japan’s B. League have already shown interest and made inquiries on Belangel, according to Espiritu.

Belangel is also open to the possibility of joining the PBA Draft in January, though no final decision has been made.

The 26-year-old guard has become one of the most established Filipino performers in the KBL since joining KOGAS in 2022.

Belangel averaged 15.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 steals across 53 games in the 2025-26 KBL season, continuing his development as one of KOGAS’ primary creators.

His growth in Korea has kept him in the conversation among Filipino guards playing overseas, especially as more Asian leagues continue to monitor Philippine talent.

Belangel is also prepared to represent Gilas Pilipinas if called upon.

“He’s ready any time,” Espiritu said.

For now, Belangel’s immediate focus remains on assessing the opportunity in front of him with KOGAS while keeping an open mind toward the rest of the market.

No decision has been finalized, but Belangel’s situation is expected to be one of the notable Filipino overseas storylines to monitor this offseason.