Carl Tamayo is moving on from his stint with Ryukyu as he shifts his focus towards Gilas Pilipinas’ upcoming campaign in the first window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.
Tamayo had requested release from the Golden Kings earlier this year.
Now, he said that he is putting all that in the past as he aims to become a solid contributor for the Philippine national team in the upcoming window, where they will face Hong Kong and Japan.
“Hindi naman. Pumunta ako dito para to serve the country. It doesn’t matter what happened to my career, kung anong nangyari. I’m here to help the team,” said the 6-foot-8 forward from University of the Philippines.
“Whatever happens, kung ano ‘man yung role ko, yun naman yung goal ko. I’m just grateful to be here, be part of Gilas,” he added.
(C) B.League
Aside from getting lifestyle and on-court tips, Tamayo shared that one of the lessons he absorbed from his Gilas veterans is to be professional in whatever team he plays for – something that he intends to do with the national team moving forward.
The two-time UAAP Mythical Team member, who is currently a free agent, also said that he has been working hard to keep himself in shape since his departure from Ryukyu.
“Siguro kila kuya LA, Justin, kila kuya Japeth, siguro alam nila yung system ni coach Tim. Tinuturuan nila kami kung paano mag-execute. And yung lifestyle sa pro, kung paano mo alagaan yung sarili mo, yung katawan mo,” said Tamayo.
“Syempre andiyan naman yung Gilas. UP always tries to help me to stay in shape para sa Gilas. As a pro naman kailangan lang lagi kang ready. Hindi naman problema yun, in-shape pa rin anytime kahit walang team,” he continued.
“Yun pinakamalaking bagay na sinasabi nila samin is kung paano namin alagaan yung sarili namin and being professional kahit san pumunta.”
