After two seasons with the Fighting Maroons, Carl Tamayo is leaving UP, forgoing his eligibility to play for three more years in the UAAP, to join the Japan B.League.
One of the most influential players for the University of the Philippines — as evidenced by his performance in the last two UAAP Seasons that brought the team to the finals on both occasions — will no longer be representing the Fighting Maroons in the coming seasons.
Earlier today, Tamayo announced on his social media that he will be leaving the UP Men’s Basketball Team in pursuit of his dream of becoming a professional basketball player.
On his Instagram, he shared that he received an invitation to play in the Japanese B.League. After deliberation, he ultimately made the decision to go pro.
“I am especially grateful because my playing for UP has opened the doors to even more blessings and opportunities,” he wrote in his Instagram caption. “Becoming a professional basketball player is a dream I have had ever since I started playing organized basketball. It will allow me to care of my family while playing the game that I love.”
Indeed, playing for UP has definitely given Tamayo countless opportunities to show off his skills on the court. He was even named Rookie of the Year in the UAAP Season 84, where he helped the Fighting Maroons win the championship, ending UP’s 36-year title drought.
Now, even as he moves on to the next chapter of his career, he asserts, “Whatever colors I wear in the years to come, my heart will always bleed maroon.”
Banner image from Carl Tamayo on Instagram.
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