After winning a UAAP championship together with the UP Fighting Maroons, JD Cagulangan and Carl Tamayo reunite as adversaries on the court in the KBL.
JD Cagulangan is excited to face off against his fellow Filipinos in the KBL, as he plays his debut professional season with the Suwon KT Sonicboom.
But Cagulangan is most excited to see a familiar face — albeit on the other side of the court — in Carl Tamayo, as he reunites with his former UP Fighting Maroons champion teammate when the Sonicboom face the Changwon LG Sakers Monday, January 13.
Winning a championship in the UAAP together, Cagulangan and Tamayo are now entering unfamiliar territory as foes. But with a lot of history and friendship between them, the UAAP Season 87 Finals MVP was nothing but ecstatic to play against Tamayo.
[RELATED: Friendly Faceoff: JD Cagulangan and Carl Tamayo reunite as opponents in KBL clash]
“There’s a lot [of Filipinos in the KBL]. One is Miguel Oczon, SJ Belangel, even Justin Gutang, my best friend Carl Tamayo. So yeah, I’m excited to play against him,” Cagulangan said on Suwon’s introductory interview.
Cagulangan described the Filipinos’ exodus to South Korea as a way to open more doors in their professional careers. Having started out with the Japan B.LEAGUE a few years back, more opportunities have presented themselves for Filipino basketball players to shine abroad.
“Some of the Filipino guys are going overseas. Everyone is dreaming of playing overseas and I’m one of them. Unexpected blessings for Filipinos because now you have a lot of options,” said Cagulangan.
“You go abroad, or you can stay in the Philippines. Option of [playing] overseas is way better,” he added.
And Cagulangan was quick to show the reason why he was among the touted recruits heading into the KBL in 2025, after an all-around performance in just his first game with the team.
Against the Seoul Samsung Thunders, Cagulangan finished with seven points, four rebounds, nine assists, and five steals for the Sonicboom.
But Tamayo has been having a string of games himself.
Carl breached 30 points in each of his last two games, following up a career-high 37 point outing in a loss with 31 points, eight rebounds, one assist, and two steals in Changwon’s latest win against the Anyang Red Boosters.
Still, expect both players to be extra motivated when they face off to try and grab a win for their respective teams.
Suwon and Changwon are neck-and-neck in the standings currently, with the Sonicboom at 15-12 and the LG Sakers at 15-13. Game tips off on Monday, January 13, at 6:00 p.m. at the Suwon KT Sonicboom Arena.