By MARK REY MONTEJO
Rising star JD Cagulangan, who led the University of the Philippines Maroons to two UAAP championships, has arrived in South Korea for his professional debut with his new team Suwon KT Sonicboom in the ongoing Korean Basketball League (KBL).
On an Instagram post by Suwon Thursday, Jan. 9, the versatile Cagulangan was all smiles at the airport marking the beginning of a new chapter to his promising career
“Welcome [to KT Sonicboom], JD” the team said.
The 24-year-old Cagulangan is hoping to make an immediate impact for the Sonicboom who is toting an 15-11 win-loss record at third – tied with the Daegu KOGAS Pegasus where his compatriot and fellow UAAP star SJ Belangel currently plays.
Before setting foot on Korean soil, the proud son of Butuan City etched his name as one of the Fighting Maroons legends after helping the UP clinch the Season 87 title against the La Salle Green Archers.
It was UP’s second in the last four years and fourth overall.
He was named as Finals MVP as he averaged 13.66 points, 4.33 rebounds and 4.66 assists in their best-of-three series.
It’s still unclear when Cagulangan will be on the court for the Sonicboom although he has the chance for it when Suwon battles the Seoul Samsung Thunders (9-17) this Saturday, Jan. 11.
Meanwhile, La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao shared on his Instagram story that he already secured his Korean visa as he hopes to finally join his squad Goyong Sono Skygunners.
Quiambao, 23, opted to forgo his two remaining years with the Taft-based squad to turn pro abroad.
The back-to-back UAAP MVP was taken by the Skygunners in hopes of turning their fortune around. The team is languishing near the bottom with a 9-18 slate –9th in the standings.
