Carl Tamayo leaves UP to play in Japan B.League

Count Carl Tamayo to the growing list of Filipino basketball imports abroad. 

In a lengthy Instagram post, the 21-year-old forward said he is leaving the University of the Philippines after two seasons and is bringing his act to the Japan Basketball League to play professionally. 

"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, my teammates, and the UPMBT management, I have decided to accept the offer to play professionally in Japan," he said in a post on Tuesday. 

"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." 

The 6-foot-7 Tamayo is a former Rookie of the Year in the UAAP after having won the top award in Season 84, where he helped the Fighting Maroons cop the title and end the school's 36-year title drought. 

He was also a member of the UAAP Mythical 5 for two straight years in Seasons 84 and 85, but UP was not able to defend their crown as the Ateneo de Manila University reclaimed the throne in Season 85. 

But while he is leaving Diliman, Tamayo bared that his heart will always bleed maroon. 

"To the UP community and to the team’s fans, salamat kaayo; I cannot thank you enough for your prayers and for your support. Whatever colors I wear in the years to come, my heart will always bleed maroon," he added. 

Tamayo joins other B. League imports like Thirdy and Kiefer Ravena, Kobe Paras, Dwight Ramos, Ray Parks, Matthew Wright, Justine Baltazar, Rosevelt Adams, Jordan Heading, Greg Slaughter, and Jay Washington. 

Tamayo did not disclose yet which team he is joining in Japan.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News