SJ Belangel Escapes Serious Injury in Korean Basketball League Game
The Daegu KOGAS Pegasus can heave a sigh of relief as SJ Belangel escaped serious injury to his lower leg after suffering a bad fall late in their 82-81 loss to the Goyang Sono Sky Gunners in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) last Sunday, March 17.
Details of the Incident
As Belangel rose up for the potential game-winning floater, the Filipino star point guard collided with Goyang’s American import Chinanu Onuaku, leading to Onuaku landing awkwardly on top of Belangel as soon as both players hit the floor.
Injury Update
Fortunately, Belangel only sustained a minor shin contusion and will only need a week of rest before returning back to action, the former Ateneo standout confirmed.
Previous Incidents Involving Onuaku
In a previous incident, Onuaku was also involved in a reckless play that injured Belangel’s fellow Filipino KBL import Rhenz Abando. Onuaku pushed Abando mid-air while going for an offensive rebound, causing a harrowing fall that kept Abando out of action for more than two months.
Season Performance and Playoff Hopes
Belangel has been having a terrific season for Daegu in his second year in the Land of the Morning Calm, averaging 12.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 50 games played. However, Daegu’s playoff hopes officially came to an end on Sunday as it dropped its record to 20-30 with only four games remaining in the season.
