Carl Tamayo has bid University of the Philippines farewell.
The 6-foot-7 forward is heading to the B.League, he announced on Tuesday.
“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,” his Instagram post read.
“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.”
All in all, he played 36 games for UP, norming 13.08 points and 7.36 rebounds. He was named to the UAAP Mythical Team in both seasons.
And he feels grateful for the time he spent in Diliman.
“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 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,” he said.
“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.”
Now that he is ready to embark on his next journey, Tamayo vowed that he will still carry with him the values instilled in him by UP.
“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.”
