The Ryukyu Golden Kings have taken interest in University of the Philippines’ big man Carl Tamayo, who has accepted an offer to play for them in the Japan B.League.
The 6’7” Tamayo has already bid the Fighting Maroons goodbye, with still three more playing years left in University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
“(Tamayo) is a promising player in the future. His nickname is “Tama-chan,” said the Golden Kings in their post on Twitter.
Officials of the Golden Kings said in a post that the big games played by Tamayo throughout Season 85 of the UAAP cagefest caught their fancy and convinced management to get a Filipino import to suit up for them.
Tamayo confirmed on Tuesday that he will soon join the Golden Kings, who are currently in fifth spot in Division 1 of the ongoing season of the B.League.
The Golden Lions have a new coach, Dai Oketani, who came from the Sendai 89ers.
“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 [Monteverde], my teammates, and the UPMBT management, I have decided to accept the offer to play professionally in Japan,” said Tamayo in a statement, and in a message to the UP community.
UP men’s basketball program Bo Perasol said they have accepted Tamayo’s decision to leave the Maroons at this time.
“Becoming a professional basketball player is a dream I have had ever since I started playing organized basketball. It will allow me to care of my family, while playing the game that I love,” added Tamayo.
The 21-year-old Tamayo played 36 games for UP and averaged 13.08 points and 7.36 rebounds, earning UAAP Mythical Team in both seasons played last year.
Tamayo was grateful for the time he spent playing for the Maroons.
“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 nu’ng hindi pa ako miyembro ng Maroons, at ito ang nakita ko nu’ng suot ko na ang maroon jersey ko, UP has the loudest, most supportive fans in the UAAP. Matatapang, matatalino, walang takot kahit kanino,” he said.
He is the third UP Fighting Maroon to find a team abroad, following the departure of Ricci Rivero and Javi Gomez de Liano.
