Carl Tamayo playing for Batang Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup in June might just be a dream.
The six-foot-seven slotman from Nazareth School of National University rued that uncertainties have been clouding his status for the youth team for the global tilt due to a looming trip abroad specifically for training.
Tamayo is being eyed by Batang Gilas team manager Andrew Teh for the 2018 FIBA U-17 World Cup in Argentina to further improve their frontline, which already boasts of 7-foot-1 Kai Sotto, 6-foot-7 Raven Cortez, and 6-foot-8 Geo Chiu.
“For now kasi ‘di ko pa alam,” said Tamayo, Thursday night after the Gilas Cadets’ practice at the Meralco Gym in Pasig City. “Kasi this summer I will undergo training sa States, so ‘di ko pa ma-answer yung question na yun.
“Baka maging busy ako this summer.”
Tamayo explained that his US trip will not be a training for the Bullpups, but rather a training just for particular players. However, the date when he will be flying to the States and the camps he will attend has yet to be known.
“For now ‘di ko pa alam kung ano eh. I don’t know pa yung date kung kailan kami pupunta dun,” the 16-year-old shared.
The former UAAP Juniors Rookie of the Year, however, said that he’s not closing his doors to Batang Gilas if ever the opportunity to play with them presents itself. But it’s just that his focus for now is improving himself.
“If there’s opportunity naman, oo,” expressed the soft-spoken youngster.
“Pero I think, sa skills ko, I’ll improve myself muna talaga, para I’ll be ready kung anumang opportunity yung dumating para sa’kin.”
