"Last season, I struggled with my conditioning and consistency in the fourth quarter and clutch situations. That's why I've been watching a lot of Ethan Alvano's film."
SJ Belangel (175cm, G) will continue his journey with Daegu Korea Gas Corporation.
Belangel first joined Korea Gas Corporation ahead of the 2022-2023 season and has appeared in at least 52 games in each of the past four seasons.
Over 210 regular-season games, he has averaged 12.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.2 steals.
Speaking after practice at Daegu Gymnasium on Tuesday, Belangel reflected on his 60-day offseason break.
"I went back home during the offseason and spent quality time with my fiancée and my family. It was a meaningful break, and I was able to get plenty of rest," he said.
Belangel recently signed a new contract with Korea Gas.
"Even though we didn't have a successful season, I'm grateful that Korea Gas believed in me enough to offer me another contract," he said. "I want to repay that trust by helping the team achieve better results and making this season a meaningful one for my teammates and all of our fans."
Toward the end of last season, Belangel hinted that his future with the club was uncertain.
"My contract ends this season. I may come back, or I may not. That's why I'm trying to enjoy every home and away game as much as possible," he said at the time.
When asked about those comments, Belangel explained why he ultimately decided to stay.
"After the season ended, I thought about everything. Every one of my teammates treated me like family. The coaching staff respected the players and led the team well. After thinking it over, I felt staying with Korea Gas was the best decision," he said. "This season, I want to be a player who helps the team win as many games as possible."
Belangel has improved every season, with his scoring average increasing from 7.0 points to 12.6, then 14.0, and 15.8 points per game.
Still, he believes there is another area where he can improve.
"Last season, I had problems with my conditioning and consistency in the fourth quarter and clutch situations," he said. "I want to overcome that. That's why I've been watching a lot of Ethan Alvano's film. We're close, and I also talk with him about how I can become more consistent."
Korea Gas recently invited skill trainer Lee Sang-yup of And1 Skills to conduct team-wide skill training sessions.
Belangel was one of the most focused players throughout the workouts.
"Even though it's skill training, everything starts with the fundamentals," he said. "If you don't overlook those basics and stay focused, there are things you can apply during games. I learned some new things as well, and as a professional player, I think it's important to keep adding new skills that I can use in games. That's why I stayed focused throughout the training."
Belangel will also have to build chemistry with new import Keve Aluma, who previously played for Ulsan Hyundai Mobis.
"I've never played with him before, only against him," Belangel said. "He's a player who understands the game and knows how to play. Kim Jun-il and Kim Guk-chan have played with him before, so I'll ask them about him. Once Aluma arrives, I hope we can communicate a lot, build chemistry on the court and play well together."
There are still about three months of preparation before the start of the 2026-27 season.
"This season will be different because both foreign players can play together in the second and third quarters," Belangel said. "I want to focus on adapting to that, improving my conditioning, and becoming more consistent in the fourth quarter."
Written and Photographed by Lee Jae-beom
This English article has been reviewed with AI assistance.
[저작권자ⓒ 점프볼. 무단전재-재배포 금지]
