UP Fighting Maroons stalwart Carl Tamayo decides to play in Japan. –Photo by Tristán Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Carl Tamayo officially said goodbye to the University of the Philippines after two seasons in the UAAP, choosing to take his act to Japan in the B.League.
Following UP’s heartbreaking loss in the UAAP Finals against Katipunan rival Ateneo, Tamayo decided to forego his playing years with the Fighting Maroons and join the ever-growing number of overseas Filipino imports.
“I am especially grateful that playing for UP has opened the doors to more blessings and opportunities for me. I would like to share with everyone that I have been invited to play in the Japanese B.League and after consulting with Coach Gold (Monteverde), my teammates and the management of UPMBT, I have decided to accept the offer to play professionally in Japan. ”Tamayo said in an Instagram post.
“Becoming a professional basketball player is a dream I’ve had since I started playing organized basketball. It will allow me to take care of my family while playing the game I love.”
In his two seasons at UP, Tamayo served as the center point of the team’s offense along with league MVP Malick Diouf and JD Cagulangan.
The big man averaged 13.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game in the ’85 season. He also posted norms of 13.1 scoring and 7.3 boards in the ’84 season, earning him the nod for Rookie of the Year. .
After losing the final game of the season in December, Tamayo said he “wasn’t thinking yet” about offers abroad.
FILE-UP’s Carl Tamayo on UAAP Season 84 where he helped the Fighting Maroons capture the championship. UAAP PHOTO
In Japan, Tamayo joins the likes of Kobe Paras, Dwight Ramos and Thirdy Ravena, who recently joined the 1,000-point club in the B.League.
The 6-foot-6 swingman gave a big thank you to the UP community as he stepped out after two fruitful stints in his collegiate career.
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a member of the UP Maroons, it’s that we can count on the support of the UP community through thick and thin. It is about a sinasabi nila nung hindi pa ako miyembro ng Maroons, and it is about nakita ko nung suot ko with the maroon ko shirt. UP has the loudest and most supportive fans in the UAAP,” he said.
“That is why playing for UP has been one of the biggest blessings of my life and I am grateful to Coach Gold, Coach Bo (Perasol), our sponsors, the whole team, the people behind Nowhere to go but UP and the UP. community for welcoming me into the UP family and for contributing to my growth as a basketball player. Thank you po sa inyong lahat,” he continued.
The Cebuano, however, has not yet revealed which team he would play for in the overseas league.
read next
subscribe to ASK MORE to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer and over 70 other titles, share up to 5 devices, listen to the news, download from 4am and share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
