Carl Tamayo is ready to contribute to the Changwon LG Sakers' title aspirations in the upcoming KBL season.
Months after his stint in the Japan B.League ended, Carl Tamayo will begin a new journey in his young professional basketball career.
Switching leagues, Tamayo will play for the Changwon LG Sakers in the upcoming Korean Basketball League (KBL) season.
After being given limited minutes with the Ryukyu Golden Kings in Japan, the former University of the Philippines star is raring to play in the KBL.
“Siguro ‘yun ‘yung opportunity na dumating sa akin,” Tamayo told reporters at the sidelines during the Finals of the FilOil EcoOil 17th Preseason Cup in San Juan City.
“I think from my management, my family also, I think it’s better for me to try in Korea and have more exposure,” he added.
Having won a title in both the UAAP and the B.League, Tamayo is ready to contribute whatever he can to help the LG Sakers win the KBL crown.
In the past two seasons, Changwon entered the KBL Playoffs as the no. 2 seed. However, the LG Sakers were eliminated in the semifinals both times.
“Siyempre, I’ll try to help the team win the championship or to win games. ‘Yun lang naman ang goal ko lagi if sasali ako sa team,” said Tamayo, who signed a three-year deal with the LG Sakers.
“Pero hindi naman [ako nag-eexpect agad]. Siyempre I have to earn [playing time]. Hindi naman siya automatic, so I have to work hard for it,” he added.
The KBL has seen a fair share of Filipino imports, namely 2023 champion Rhenz Abando, 2024 league MVP Ethan Alvano, and Justin Gutang, who was LG's Asian Quota import in the past two seasons.
Ahead of his first season in Korea, Tamayo revealed that he is getting some tips from his fellow Filipino imports about what to expect in the league.
“Siyempre naguusap-usap naman kaming lahat. ‘Yung culture, iba-iba rin. ‘Yun mga natutunan ko sa kanila at mga sinabi nila sa akin,” said Tamayo.
Tamayo said that there is still no schedule for when he will fly to Korea, as he focuses on his stint with Gilas Pilipinas for the upcoming FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July.