Carl Tamayo took Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone’s words of wisdom and translated it into his best game at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
Once Carl Tamayo was given a chance to show his game, he made the most out of it.
So much so that the sweet-shooting big man top-scored Gilas Pilipinas in their 93-54 demolition of Hong Kong en route to booking a spot in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Saudi Arabia.
He fired 16 points and collected six rebounds in just 17 minutes, doing it all while coming off the bench.
“Nabigyan lang ako ng chance to play and inexpress ko lang ‘yung paglalaro ko,” Tamayo told on One News' Play by Play.
The 23-year-old showed what he can bring to the table when given more time to play, after being held to limited minutes against New Zealand.
All thanks to Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone’s wisdom, Tamayo was able to contribute in any form necessary.
“Pagdating kay coach Tim [Cone], may approach din siya sa games na gusto na niya matutunan ko. Isa dun is [maging] more relaxed sa game, kasi minsan masyado akong agresibo sa laro na nafa-foul ko ‘yung kalaban na [hindi] dapat,” the former UP Fighting Maroon said.
He added: “'Yun 'yung palaging nire-remind niya sa akin, na take it slow but be aggressive and ‘yung maging mature sa laro.”
While Tamayo admitted that Cone is tough on the youngsters in the squad such as himself, Kevin Quiambao, Mason Amos and Kai Sotto, getting valuable lessons from Gilas veterans helped them play their roles to the fullest.
[ALSO READ: ‘Always ready’ Kevin Quiambao pounces on opportunity to see action in Gilas' W vs Hong Kong]
“Sila Kuya Scottie [Thompson], Kuya Cjay [Perez], Kuya June Mar [Fajardo]. ‘Yung experience na meron sila, malaking bagay kasi nai-she-share din nila. 'Yung mga veteran, lalo na sila Kuya New [Chris Newsome, malaking bagay sila.”
Despite sporting a spotless 4-0 record and already assured of a FIBA Asia Cup spot, Tamayo was quick to shift for Gilas’ next challenge: win the last two qualifier games on the road.
“Masaya kasi ‘yun naman ‘yung first goal ng team na to be able to qualify for the FIBA Asia Cup. Pero still, may two games pa kami na lalaruin and both away games so which is mahirap na challenge sa amin,” the Changwon LG Sakers forward expressed.
“Nireremind pa rin kami ni coach Tim na dapat mapanalo pa rin namin ‘yung two games kasi malaking bagay siya para sa seeding.”
[ALSO READ: Wherever Tim Cone goes, success follows: Gilas Pilipinas milestones]