MANILA – Negrense guard Samjosef Belangel is set to play a vital role for the Gilas Pilipinas in the third window of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup Qualifiers next week at the Angeles University Foundation Gym in Clark, Pampanga.
Belangel, along with RJ Abarrientos, is expected to take over the point guard duties for the national men’s basketball team following the injury of Joseph Matthew Nieto.
“At first, when we found out that his injury was severe, we were down, but we also used it as motivation, especially for me and RJ as the point guards,” Belangel told Sports 5.
“Matt was constantly mentoring us when he was here because he has more experience with the system and with the international game. It will be big shoes to fill, but we’re ready for the challenge,” he added.
For Gilas Pilipinas head coach Joseph Uichico, Belangel and Abarrientos can play their roles to offset the absence of Nieto, who is feared to be ousted in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
“(Belangel) is primarily a scoring point guard, so what we need to do is transform him a little bit to a passing point guard. When he learns that, he’ll be an even better player,” Uichico said on the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles guard.
“With two facets in his game, with his ability to score and pass, the defense will have a harder time guessing what he wants to do with the ball, and then he’ll be a perfect fit for the team,” he pointed out.
The upcoming Gilas Pilipinas games will be Belangel’s first stint for the national men’s basketball team.
Gilas Pilipinas has three games scheduled in the upcoming Clark, Pampanga bubble – against South Korea on June 16 and 20, and Indonesia on June 18.
The national team has a 3-0 win-loss record in Pool C and needs at least a victory in their last three matches to secure their seat in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup./PN
