University of the Philippines (UP) Maroons star forward Carl Tamayo has announced that he has accepted an offer to play professionally in Japan, and in a social media post on Tuesday said that playing for the State university was “one of the greatest blessings in my life.”
“I am grateful to Coach Gold, Coach Bo, the whole team, 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.”
In his two years with the Maroons, Tamayo was part of a core that led the team to two consecutive finals appearances, winning the title in Season 84 and finishing first runner up in Season 85
The UAAP Season 84 Rookie of the Year said that he was especially grateful “because my playing for UP has opened the doors to even more blessings and opportunities.”
In his post, Tamayo shared that after consulting his family, UP MBT Coach Gold Monteverde, his teammates, and UP MBT management, he decided to accept the offer to play in the Japanese B-League.
“Becoming a professional basketball player is a dream I have had ever since I started playing organized basketball,” said Tamayo, who said that playing professionally “will allow me to take care of my family while playing the game that I love.”
“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,” said the big man, who in UAAP Season 84 led the Maroons to its first basketball championship since 1986.
In his post, Tamayo shared that after consulting his family, UP MBT Coach Gold Monteverde, his teammates, and UP MBT management, he decided to accept the offer to play in the Japanese B-League.
Tamayo was effusive in his praise for the UP community, who showed that they could be relied on “through thick or thin.”
“Ito ang sinasabi nila nung hindi pa ako myembro ng Maroons, at ito ang nakita ko nung suot ko na ang maroon jersey ko: UP has the loudest, most supportive fans in the UAAP. Matatapang, matatalino, walang takot kahit kanino,” said the former NU Bullpup.
“Nakita namin yan nung nag finals tayo nung 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.”
In his two years with the Maroons, Tamayo was part of a core that led the team to two consecutive finals appearances, winning the title in Season 84 and finishing first runner up in Season 85.
