Carl Tamayo of the UP Fighting Maroons to forgo his final playing years in the UAAP to play in Japan’s B. League.
A grateful Carl Tamayo, UAAP S84 Rookie of the Year, two time Mythical Team member and S84 Champion of the UP Maroons team, is leaving to become a pro for Japan's B. League He foregoes his three playing years with UP.
The 6-foot-7 forward posted a lengthy Instagram post on Tuesday, January 10, announcing his decision.
“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 with coach Gold (Monteverde), my teammates, and the UPMBT management, I have decided to accept the offer to play professionally in Japan,” Tamayo wrote.
Although expectations of Tamayo staying with the Fighting Maroons grew after a heartbreaking UAAP Finals loss in the Battle of Katipunan against Ange Kouame and the Ateneo Blue Eagles, the UP standout just had great suitors and even better money from overseas teams such as Japan and Korea, specifically for the Ryukyu Golden Kings in the B.League, reported Sports Inquirer.
“Becoming a professional basketball player is a dream I have had ever since I started playing organized basketball. It will allow me to care for my family while playing the game that I love.”
Over at the Land of the Rising Sun, Tamayo will be joining fellow former UAAP talents such as Dwight Ramos, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Kobe Paras and Thirdy Ravena, who most recently joined the 1,000-point club in the B.League.
It appears that the coaching staff are well versed with the matter and are in full support of their player’s decision as in a Facebook post, UP men’s basketball team program director Bo Perasol thanked Tamayo for his services.
“Maraming Salamat, Carl!” Perasol wrote.
In the end, the MVP gave all that he could for his brief stay with the community, giving the school its much deserved glory after years of trying to break in the Final Four, and much more after leading the team into winning a title.
“To the UP community and to the team’s fans, salamat kaayo; I cannot thank you enough for your prayers and for your support. Whatever colors I wear in the years to come, my heart will always bleed maroon,” Tamayo concluded his post.
Tags: #UAAP, #BLeague, #probasketball