Though the Under-18 Batang Gilas squad bound for the Asian Championship will feature the twin towers of Kai Sotto and AJ Edu, one of the team’s versatile players might not join them.
Seventeen-year-old Carl Tamayo of the NU Bullpups is said to be nursing a bone spur in his knee that will make him miss the continental meet that is set to take place from August 5-11 in Thailand.
Tamayo, who stands at 6-foot-7, was part of the Batang Gilas squad that competed in the 2018 FIBA Under-17 World Cup. He averaged 10.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game during the meet.
The 23 for 2023 Gilas Cadet was also part of the NU Bullpups squad that won gold in the 2018 ASEAN School Games.
The brass of Batang Gilas will bring Tamayo to renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Raul Canlas on Monday for a second opinion.
Tamayo is part of the 13-man lineup submitted by the Samahang Basketbol ng PIlipinas to the International Basketball Federation. If he is replaced, the SBP will have to pay USD 3,500.
