CARL TAMAYO has been an absolute beast for University of the Philippines (UP) so far in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup and expect more of him when the Diliman side shoots for win No. 3 against University of the East (UE) on Wednesday at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Gilas Pilipinas forward has been relentless in the Fighting Maroons’ campaign in the famed preseason tourney, averaging 19.0 points and 12.5 rebounds as they gained an early lead in Group A with their 2-0 record.
But Tamayo’s performance really shouldn’t come as a surprise as the Cebuano has always made it a point to give it his all whenever he takes the court.
“Kailangan ako ng team namin, so ibibigay ko lang yung best ko every time may chance ako na maglaro,” he said, with him seizing the baton for UP which is still missing the likes of Zavier Lucero and Malick Diouf.
This also should come as no surprise given how the Fighting Maroons have positioned themselves as one of the favorites in the famed preseason tournament.
Guards like JD Cagulangan, Harold Alarcon and Gerry Abadiano have proven themselves for the Goldwin Monteverde-coached crew and it won’t be a shock to see them as among the contributors for the 5 p.m. main event.
Emilio Aguinaldo College (1-0) also has the same plans in mind when it battles University of Perpetual Help (0-1) in the 9 a.m. game, with coach Oliver Bunyi looking to build on the solid plays of Adam Doria, JP Maguliano and Nat Cosejo.
The L-Jay Gonzales-led Far Eastern University side, meanwhile, is determined to snap a two-game losing skid when it takes on the debuting San Sebastian at 11 a.m. in Group B action.
National University takes on Arellano (0-1) at 1 p.m., and defending National Collegiate Athletic Association champion Letran faces Jose Rizal University at 3 p.m.