Carl Tamayo begs off from Gilas duties due to injury rehab

Carl Tamayo on Saturday said he is begging off from his Gilas Pilipinas duties as he is set to undergo rehab for a previous injury.

"May mga previous injury ako na kailangan i-rehab. Sinusubukan namin kausapin 'yung Gilas. Nagsend naman kami ng formal letter to excuse," Tamayo said. "Nararamdaman ko sa sarili ko na I need to rest and rehab. I think Gilas will understand naman."

Tamayo said he wants to give his 100% whenever he plays, but due to his injury, he might not be able to give it all for the national team.

"Pagdating sa UP o kahit saan ako naglalaro, di ako nagtitipid ng laro. I think I'm not 100% na pupunta sa Gilas at di ako makakatulong pag di ako 100%. Di ako confident sa sarili ko."

Despite this, the UP standout said he is still willing to join the national team for the next window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

"Lagi naman ako open para tumulong sa Pilipinas. Ngayon lang talaga, feeling ko na alanganin 'yung sarili ko and I think Gilas will understand my situation."

Tamayo said he will still talk to Gilas head coach Chot Reyes about his situation.

The UAAP Season 84 rookie of the year said the injury is not that bad, but still needs to undergo rehab.

On Saturday, Tamayo went scoreless in 12 minutes of action.

Aside from Tamayo, Ateneo's Ange Kouame and La Salle's Kevin Quiambao were also included in the national team pool.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News