SJ Belangel Signs Extension with Daegu KOGAS, stays in KBL

SJ Belangel is staying in South Korea.

The Filipino guard has signed a two-year contract extension with Daegu KOGAS Pegasus, his manager Marvin Espiritu of EMBM Sports Management confirmed, keeping Belangel with the Korean Basketball League team where he has built one of the strongest overseas runs by a Filipino player.

According to Espiritu, Belangel’s decision was driven mainly by his desire to continue the momentum he has created in the KBL. After establishing himself as a key figure for Daegu, Belangel chose stability and continuity over a possible move elsewhere.

The extension gives Belangel a chance to further grow in a league where he has steadily earned respect as a playmaker, scorer, and late-game decision-maker. Since joining Daegu KOGAS, he has become one of the team’s most important backcourt pieces, trusted to run the offense and carry a major role against some of the top guards in South Korea.

For Belangel, the new deal also continues a journey that has taken him from the Philippines’ amateur and collegiate scene to a prominent professional role overseas.

A former Ateneo Blue Eagle, Belangel first rose to national attention as one of the most composed guards in the UAAP. He was part of Ateneo’s powerhouse program under Tab Baldwin, where he developed into a steady floor leader known for his control, toughness, and ability to make big shots.

His name became even more familiar to Filipino basketball fans in 2021, when he hit the memorable game-winning three-pointer for Gilas Pilipinas against South Korea in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. The shot became one of the defining moments of his young career and helped cement his reputation as a guard unafraid of pressure.

Belangel later brought that confidence to the KBL, becoming part of the wave of Filipino players who pursued professional opportunities in East Asia through the Asian player quota system. His move to South Korea opened a new chapter, testing him in a faster, more physical, and highly structured league.

Last season, Belangel averaged 15.8 points, 4.7 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 53 games for Daegu KOGAS, further proving his value as one of the team’s most reliable guards.

Espiritu’s confirmation also puts to rest questions about Belangel’s immediate future, especially with his name often mentioned in conversations about Filipino players abroad, possible Japan B.League interest, and the long-term pull of the PBA.

For now, Belangel’s path remains in the KBL.

And based on the reason behind his decision, the goal is clear: he is not done building.