Rookie of the Year Carl Tamayo wants to continue building 'winning culture' in UP

From being a champion in the juniors division to getting his first championship as a senior in his rookie year, Carl Tamayo has always been a part of a winning programs.

Tamayo, a graduate of National University's juniors program, won his first seniors title with the University of the Philippines (UP) on Friday and he said that the championship was fulfilling after a challenging and grueling season.

"Sobrang sarap kasi pinaghirapan namin 'to eh. Schedule pa lang ng UAAP bakbakan na," Tamayo said in a post-game conference.

"Lagi lang nire-remind sa'min ni Coach Gold [Monteverde] na huwag biibitaw kahit anong mangyari. [Dapat may] puso sa laro, puso sa ensayo kahit anong mangyari," he added.

The UAAP Season 84 Rookie of the Year credited hard work as one of the reasons for being a champion in his high school and college years, but also tipped his hats off to his teammates for the trust they gave him.

"Sobrang blessed ko. Lahat ng hard work ko, nag-pay off. Grabe rin [ang] tiwala ng teammates ko sa'kin. Ginagawa ko lang best ko everyday para maipanalo 'yung team."

With the championship experience he now has and more is expected of him in the next season, Tamayo said he wants to build on the winning culture the UP program has started.

"'Yung culture na bini-build namin, gusto [ko] tuloy-tuloy. 'Yung winning culture ng UP, siguro 'yun ang next na pagtratrabahuhan namin."

—JMB, GMA News