By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Filipino Asian import Carl Tamayo caught fire during the opening campaign of the Japan B. League defending champions Ryukyu Golden Kings over the Saga Ballooners, 80-63, last October 5, 2023.
The former University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons superstar went unconscious from the three-point line and buried all of his four attempts in 30 minutes of playing time.
With the stellar shooting from the rainbow country, Tamayo finished the game with a new B. League career-high of 15 points.
Aside from his impressive scoring numbers, the stretch power forward also delivered an all-around performance of five rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.
Tamayo quickly made his presence felt for the Golden Kings after firing eight markers in the first half that helped his squad control the tempo of the game.
After draining his first trifecta, Tamayo immediately went beast mode and hoisted every attempt he had from the three-point line.
With the Golden Kings sensing a big game from the former member of the Gilas Pilipinas men’s national basketball team, the squad just kept on feeding him and was enjoying watching their import deliver in the bright lights.
Tamayo impressed the coaching staff with a couple of highlight plays that put the crowd on their feet. First was his tip assist to his teammate after grabbing an offensive board while the other was a sweet fake to a reverse layup that extended their lead to 11 points.
Former PBA import Allen Durham also balled out for Ryukyu and contributed 12 points with the majority converted in the shaded lane.
Tamayo will look to sustain his fine form today, as the Golden Kings look to maintain their perfect record against the Ballooners again.
