Carl Tamayo dropped the biggest college basketball news of the year (at least, so far), and safe to say, some hearts were broken.
UP Fighting Maroons star Carl Tamayo announced he will forgo his three remaining college seasons to play in the Japan B.League, and the Filipino basketball community's support is in full force.
Kiefer Ravena, whom Tamayo will most likely play against in Japan, were among the first to congratulate the young big man, tagging fellow overseas Filipino basketball players RJ Abarrientos, Rhenz Abando, and SJ Belangel.
The Phenom quipped, “Patay na!” to which Abando replied, “may kalalagyan talaga, manong.”
Thirdy Ravena and Ray-Ray Parks, the pioneers among Filipino hoopers abroad, congratulated Tamayo via Instagram Stories. Thirdy said, “See you in the B-League real soon!”
Tamayo’s Gilas peers Kai Sotto and Abarrientos, as well as some of his teammates from the Fighting Maroons, also joined the support for the UAAP Season 84 Rookie of the Year.
While the chorus among players sound the same, it’s bittersweet for the Fighting Maroons community. Some even literally cried, apparently.