By NIKOLE JAVIER
Carl Tamayo is certainly getting all the necessary help he could get to ease into Japan, and what better way to learn the culture than through his fellow Pinoy imports.
The former Fighting Maroon standout, who struck a two-year deal with the Ryukyu Golden Kings last month, is pleased to be “picked as the team’s Asian import.”
Luckily, the 6-foot-7 center has his Gilas teammates to lean on as he tries to embrace your surroundings.
“The imports here are my friends, they are my teammates in the national team and we talk about the league, the team. I think Kiefer Ravena [team captain of Shika Lakes] is the one who talked to me and advised me a lot about the league, about the culture in Japan. I think everyone’s happy that they’re playing here [in B.League]. It’s a great experience and as a young player, having this exposure against top-level players is good for me. I will learn a lot,” said Tamayo.
Even with just two years of seeing action in the collegiate scene in the UAAP, Tamayo is confident that he could bring to the table what’s expected of him and clarified that there’s no “pressure” on his end.
Likewise, Ryukyu general manager Junichi Yasunaga thinks Tamayo’s addition to the fourth-seed team will be a huge force for its championship bid.
“He’s the ace of his team in Japan, the man of the college he belonged to UP. He’s a huge force to the team and we’re so happy to announce we signed him to Ryukyu Golden Kings,” he said.
With his undeniable capabilities, the 21-year-old is sure excited to showcase his young talent in the pro league and all the adjustments to be made along with the opportunity.
“I mentioned Carl Tamayo, inside and outside. He has advantages, [he gets the] team chemistry. But as we go on through the season, we have a lot to figure out and how we can utilize his capabilities as a player,” said Golden Kings head coach Dai Oketani.
