After winning with Ateneo HS, freshman SJ Belangel relishes championship with Blue Eagles

The Ateneo Blue Eagles celebrate their second straight UAAP men's basketball title. Zeke Alonzo

Another year, another championship for Ateneo's SJ Belangel.

He may be a freshman but winning the crown is not new for him, having been a member of Ateneo's juniors championship last year.

"Sobrang saya ko na champion ulit coming from high school to college," Belangel said.

How different is winning in the collegiate ranks?

"Sobrang iba eh, iba talaga," said Belangel, who played quality minutes in Game Two after not playing in the series opener against University of the Philippines.

"First time ko, kasi first game 'di ako nakalaro. Last year, pumasok ako sa court dahil alma mater parang 'Hala, paano 'pag naglaro ako rito baka kabahan ako?" he said.

Belangel didn't show nerves, scoring six points for the Blue Eagles in their 99-81 victory.

"Kanina ginawa ko lang, kapag kailangan ng team, 'yun lang ginagawa ko. Luckily, nakatulong ako," he said.

With a ring in his first year, Belangel said they will work hard to deliver more for the Ateneo community.

"Kung pwede lahat sige po, playing years ko sige. Paghirapan namin," he said. —JST, GMA News