Samjosef Rasmo Belangel: The Rise of the Filipino Point Guard in the KBL
From the courts of Bacolod to the professional arenas of South Korea, Samjosef Rasmo Belangel has rapidly ascended the ranks of international basketball. Known for his composure and clutch performances, the Filipino point guard has transitioned from a collegiate standout to a professional athlete competing in the prestigious Korean Basketball League (KBL).
Currently playing for Daegu KOGAS Pegasus, Belangel represents a new generation of Filipino talent making significant impacts in overseas professional leagues. His journey is marked by championship success in the Philippines and unforgettable moments on the international stage.
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Key Facts
- Full Name: Samjosef Rasmo Belangel
- Current Team: Daegu KOGAS Pegasus (KBL)
- Position: Point Guard
- Birthplace: Bacolod, Philippines
- College: Ateneo de Manila University
- Major Achievements: 2× UAAP Champion (2018, 2019)
- Notable Moment: Buzzer-beating three-pointer against South Korea in 2021
Early Life and Educational Foundation
Born on June 27, 1999, in Bacolod, Belangel was raised in a family with deep ties to the sport; his father, Sammy Belangel, was a former college basketball player. Before finding success in Manila, he honed his skills in various schools across the Philippines, including Eliakim Learning School, USLS-Integrated School, St. Joseph's Academy–Iloilo, and Bacolod Tay Tung High School.
A significant early milestone occurred in 2014 when he won the Batang Pinoy 3x3 national competition in his hometown. His talent eventually led him to the Ateneo education system, where he was scouted by coach Joe Silva for the Ateneo High School Blue Eaglets. Despite having family ties to the La Sallian community, Belangel chose to commit to Ateneo, eventually graduating from Ateneo de Manila University in 2022 with a degree in interdisciplinary studies.
Collegiate Success with the Ateneo Blue Eagles
Belangel's collegiate career is defined by his time with the Ateneo Blue Eagles. Playing under the mentorship of coach Tab Baldwin, he became a vital component of a dominant era for the program. He contributed to two UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) championships in 2018 and 2019.
During his three seasons in the UAAP, Belangel appeared in 48 games, maintaining an impressive statistical presence with an average of 7.38 points and 2.08 assists per contest. His high school career also ended on a high note, having helped the Blue Eaglets clinch the UAAP Season 80 junior title and earning a selection to the Mythical Five.
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Professional Career and the KBL
In a bold move for his career, Belangel decided to forego his final two years of collegiate eligibility at Ateneo to pursue professional opportunities. In June 2022, he signed with the Daegu KOGAS Pegasus in the KBL. This transition marked his entry into the professional ranks, where he continues to compete at a high level in South Korea.
Player Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Point Guard |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Professional League | KBL (Korea) |
| Current Club | Daegu KOGAS Pegasus |
| College Honors | 2× UAAP Champion |
International Career and National Team Highlights
Belangel has been a fixture in the Philippine national basketball program since his youth. He served as the captain of the national under-16 team during the 2015 FIBA Asia Under-16 Championship.
At the senior level, his most iconic moment came on June 16, 2021, during the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers. In a high-stakes game against South Korea, the score was tied at 78–78 with only two seconds remaining. Belangel received an inbound pass from Dwight Ramos and successfully converted a buzzer-beating three-pointer, securing an 81–78 victory for the Philippines.
He also represented the Philippines in the 2020 FIBA Men's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade and participated in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What league does SJ Belangel play in?
He currently plays in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) for the Daegu KOGAS Pegasus.
Why did Belangel leave Ateneo early?
In June 2022, he chose to forego his remaining two years of college eligibility to turn professional and pursue his career in the KBL.
What is SJ Belangel's most famous international play?
He is widely remembered for hitting a buzzer-beating three-pointer to defeat South Korea 81–78 during the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.
How many UAAP championships did he win?
Belangel won two UAAP championships with the Ateneo Blue Eagles in 2018 and 2019.
What position does he play?
He plays as a point guard.