Posted: Thursday, November 6, 2025. 12:20 pm CST.
Douglas Langford Jr against Jamaica in the 2023 U17 Boys Centrobasket Championship, held at the Belize City Center in July 2023 and in the San Jose State University Spartans jersey in 2025. Photo Credit: SJSU Spartans/FIBA
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: 
Dangriga’s own Douglas Langford Jr has officially stepped into the spotlight of NCAA Division I basketball, joining a select group of born Belizeans to reach the highest level of collegiate play in the United States. On Monday, November 3, 2025, the 6’7” freshman forward made his debut for the San José State University Spartans in their season opener against the Utah Utes—a proud moment for his family and for Belize.
Langford saw two minutes of action in the Spartans’ 84–75 loss to Utah, a Big 12 opponent, marking the beginning of what many hope will be a long and impactful college career. San José State returns to the court on November 8, when they face UC Santa Barbara at the Thunderdome in Santa Barbara, California. The game will be televised on ESPN+.
From Belize City Center to NCAA Tip-Off
In July 2023, Langford represented Belize at the 2023 U17 Boys Centrobasket Championship, held at the Belize City Center, where he was named to the prestigious All Star Five. He averaged 14.4 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, anchoring the Belize front court with power and poise. Despite battling injury during the tournament, Langford remained a dominant force on both ends of the court, helping Belize secure bronze with a decisive 87–72 win over Mexico and a spot at the FIBA Americas Championship.
He was selected alongside standout players Danny Carbuccia (Dominican Republic), Angel Ochoa (Mexico), and Puerto Rico’s Isaiah Emanuel Brown and Alejandro Avilez, with Brown earning tournament MVP honours.
All Star Five (left to right): Danny Carbuccia (Dom Rep), Alejandro Avilez (PR), Angel Ochoa (Mex), Douglas Langford (Bze), Isaiah Emanuel Brown (PR) – (Photo Credit: FIBA)
From Dangriga to Division I
Langford’s journey to NCAA Division I began with a standout high school career at St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy in California, where he helped lead the team to 72 wins and two league championships over three seasons. He graduated as the school’s all-time leading rebounder and second all-time scorer, while also making the honor roll all four years.
A 3-star recruit on both 247Sports and ESPN, Langford gained further exposure playing with the Oakland Soldiers on the Nike EYBL circuit, where he averaged 5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, shooting 53% from the field across 22 games. He was also named MVP at the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders camp, highlighting his international potential.
Originally committed to Harvard University, Langford reopened his recruitment in January before ultimately choosing San José State, where he is now majoring in business administration and marketing.
Belize’s Douglas Langford, in blue, against the United States in the FIBA Amricas Championship in June 2024 – Photo Credit: FIBA
A Father’s Pride
Speaking to News 5 Live, Langford’s father, Douglas Sr, described the debut as deeply emotional:
“A real experience—excited,” he said. “From the summer to now, all the work he’s been putting in at college is finally paying off.”
He emphasized the significance of his son’s first appearance:
“Making his first … debut at Utah was really big, that’s a Big 12 conference that he went and play against. So, for him to make his appearance there and get his foot wet on the court was something big for us.”
Langford Sr. also reflected on the decision to let his son pursue his dream abroad:
“James left when he was just 14. When he told me he was ready, I said, ‘I’m not going to be the one to hold him back.’ If want to go and do this son, we will support you 110 percent and we will back you whatever you want to do. Your dream, if you want to go and play in the NBA—once you ouch, we will be a 110 percent behind you.”
“So far,” he added, “the reality … is looking to come in place.”
Representing Belize on the Big Stage
Langford’s debut places him alongside Belizean basketball trailblazers like Kirk “Shabba” Smith, Evan “Duck” Garnett, Richard Troyer, Fred Garcia, Englebert Cherrington, Dwight Myvette, and Keith “Superman” Acosta—a lineage of talent that continues to inspire young athletes across the country.
With coaches over the years praising his intelligence, work ethic, and versatility, Langford is expected to grow into a key contributor for the Spartans. His ultimate goal: to become the first player from Belize to make the NBA.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.
© 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.
The post Belizean Douglas Langford Jr makes NCAA Division I Debut for San José State Spartans appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Thursday, November 6, 2025. 12:20 pm CST. Douglas Langford Jr against Jamaica in the 2023 U17 Boys Centrobasket Championship, held at the Belize City Center
The post Belizean Douglas Langford Jr makes NCAA Division I Debut for San José State Spartans appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
