Tamayo is going pro after two years of college basketball.
UP Fighting Maroons top dog Carl Tamayo joins the ever-growing list of Filipino amateur hoopers who choose to pursue a career abroad.
In an Instagram post addressed to the UP community, Tamayo confirmed he will play in the Japan B.League.
"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,” Tamayo said.
"Becoming a professional basketball player is a dream I have had ever since I started playing organized basketball. It will allow me to take care of my family while playing the game that I love.”
Tamayo and the B.League have yet to confirm what team the Cebu, Talisay native will play for.
In his brief but historical UAAP career, Tamayo became the missing piece in breaking the 36 excruciating years of title drought in Diliman.
The Fighting Maroons dethroned the Ateneo Blue Eagles during Tamayo’s rookie year in Season 84 to ascend back to the men’s basketball throne.
Tamayo and the rest of the Maroons came close to defending their title in UAAP Season 85 — they would have been the only team with two titles in the same calendar year—but fell short against Ateneo in the Finals rematch.
As the 21-year-old forward closes his collegiate playing years, he will leave with nothing but praise and gratitude towards the Maroons community who he calls, “the loudest, most supportive fans in the UAAP.”
“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,” Tamayo added.
Tamayo also credited his growth to UP coach Goldwin Monteverde, the mind behind his recruitment.
“I am especially grateful because my playing for UP has opened the doors to even more blessings and opportunities,” Tamayo said.
In just two years in college, Tamayo has already built his resume with a Rookie of the Year plum in 2021 and back-to-back UAAP Mythical Team awards. He is also a key cog in the national team program.
Safe to say, Tamayo will only grow his legend more in Japan. His alma mater’s mantra says it all: Nowhere to go but up.