WILL Carl Tamayo also strike gold in the Land of the Rising Sun?
The prized 6-foot-7 forward has at least until 2026 to prove his worth after signing yesterday a three-year contract with Ryukyu in the Japan B. League.
“I am Carl Tamayo. I am 21 years old, from the Philippines. I am honored and very excited to be part of this great organization, Ryukyu Golden Kings,” Tamayo said in a video message posted by the team on Twitter.
“Can’t wait to play with you guys! See you soon!” he added.
Tamayo, 21, announced last Tuesday that he has left University of the Philippines
A Gilas Pilipinas national team training pool member, Tamayo averaged 13.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists for the Fighting Maroons in the last UAAP cage wars where they fell short to defending champion Ateneo in three games in the Big Dance last December.
With Tamayo leading the way, UP ended a 36-year title dry spell at the expense of the Blue Eagles in the finals last May where he bagged the Rookie of the Year award.
He was also named to the Mythical Team the past two seasons.
Tamayo was also good for 8.3 points and 3.7 rebounds for Gilas in 11 games in FIBA tourneys.
Ryukyu is currently running third in the Japan league with a 21-7 record.
Tamayo will team up with the likes of Jack Cooley, Allen Durham, Keita Imamura, Josh Duncan, and Ryuichi Kishimoto.
Other Filipino imports seeing action in Japan are brothers Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Matthew Wright, Kobe Paras, Roosevelt Adams, Jordan Heading, Greg Slaughter, and Jay Washington.
Tamayo may also suit up in the East Asia Super League, with Ryukyu set to battle San Miguel Beer in group play in March.
