Frantic search on for UP’s new two-way force as Tamayo departs

When Carl Tamayo announced his flight to greener pastures in Japan’s B League on Tuesday, he began a quick search to fill the hole left by the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting. The Maroons front line.

This created more of a void in the middle after the early departure of forward Zavier Lucero and Henry Galinato’s one-and-done after the Maroons’ heartbreak was absorbed in the UAAP Season 85 Finals against the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

But the spirit and enthusiasm that exists in the UP community has resolved this exit with optimism that the Maroons can rebuild from the ashes of the precious things that have been lost.

“There is no player in the pool that can fill (Tamayo’s) spot. We are back to the recruiting stage,” UP men’s basketball team (UPMBT) program director Bo Perasol told the Inquirer.

This season’s Most Valuable Player Malick Diouf should return for another year as the anchor of the Fighting Maroons’ game, which will surely be diminished by the absence of the 6-foot-7 Tamayo, the 6-foot-6 Lucero and the brawny 6-foot-6 Galinato.

Terrible backcourt

UP’s anticipated manpower woes inside the paint should be filled by a trio of 6-foot-5 forwards in Bismarck Lina, Anton Eusebio and Ashon Andrews.

“Our training will resume on January 16. Of course, we will have a training camp abroad. At least back to Korea,” Perasol said.

The Maroons’ backfield rotation, which had the best front line last season, hands down, will remain strong with Harold Alarcon, Terrence Fortea, Gerry Abadiano, Cyril Gonzales and James Spencer still around.

Also staying out with the Maroons is JD Cagulangan, the hero of the Game 3 victory over the Blue Eagles in Season 84, plus CJ Cansino returning from a season-long recovery from an ACL injury.

“We still have a solid background. All of them are still eligible [to play],” said Perasol.

Tamayo’s departure will certainly be felt as the Maroons try to wrest the title away from Ateneo, especially since the Blue Eagles have filled Ange Koume’s spot with 6-foot-10 Joseph Obasa.

Tamayo, a key part of the championship machine, decided to cut short his college career with the Maroons, adding to the list of Filipino imports abroad.

In two seasons with the Maroons, Tamayo became the focal point of UP’s offense along with Diouf, Lucero and Cagulangan. Lucero abruptly ended his college career with a torn left ACL in Game 2 of the finals series against Ateneo.

Thanks

After consulting with UP coach Goldwyn Monteverde, UPMBT management and teammates, Tamayo accepted an offer to play professionally in Japan’s B League, joining former UAAP stars Kobe Paras, Dwight Ramos and Thirdy Ravena.

“Becoming a professional basketball player is a dream I’ve had since I started playing organized basketball. It will allow me to take care of my family while playing the game I love,” Tamayo said.

The Season 84 Rookie of the Year posted 13.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game last season and thanked the UP community on his way out.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a member of the UP Maroons, it’s that we can rely on the UP community to support us through thick and thin,” said Tamayo, who has a wide range of skills below and has a great touch that even goes beyond. around.

“That’s why playing for UP has been one of the biggest blessings in my life, and I thank coach Gold (Monteverde), coach Bo, our sponsors, the whole team, the people who are not behind us, but UP and UP. community to welcome me into the UP family and to contribute to my growth as a basketball player,” added the Cebuano inside operator.

However, for the Maroons, life goes on with another team poised to recover from their failed championship bid in UAAP Season 86. INQ

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