AFTER just two seasons, prized forward Carl Tamayo has opted to leave University of the Philippines and bring his act to Japan.
The 6-foot-7 Tamayo said he has accepted an offer to suit up for a team he did not name in the B. League.
“Playing for UP has been one of the greatest blessings in my life, and I am grateful to coach Gold (Monteverde), 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,” Tamayo said yesterday. “Thank you po sa inyong lahat. I am especially grateful because my playing for UP has opened the doors to even more blessings and opportunities.
“I would like to share with everyone that I have been invited to play in the Japanese B. League, and after consulting my family, coach Gold, my teammates, and the UPMBT management, I have decided to accept the offer to play professionally in Japan,” he added.
A Gilas Pilipinas national team training pool member, Tamayo is reportedly set to see action for the Ryukyu Golden Kings.
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.
“If there is one thing I learned as a member of the UP Maroons, it is that we can count on the UP community to support us through thick or thin. Ito ang sinasabi nila noong hindi pa ako miyembro ng Maroons, at ito ang nakita ko noong suot ko na ang maroon jersey ko: UP has the loudest, most supportive fans in the UAAP. Matatapang, matatalino, walang takot kahit kanino,” Tamayo said.
“Nakita namin ‘yan nu’ng nag-finals tayo noong Season 84 at Season 85. We heard and felt your joy when we made history and won the championship last May; and we shared your pain when we finished first runner-up last December.”
Donning the maroon and white will always be a highlight of his short but sweet collegiate career, according to Tamayo.
