Talented Cebuano forward Carl Tamayo will be at the forefront once again as his University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons seek a third straight win when they battle the University of the East Red Warriors in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Gilas Pilipinas forward has been relentless in the Fighting Maroons' campaign in so far, averaging 19.0 points and 12.5 rebounds as they gained the early lead in Group A with their 2-0 record. However, Tamayo's performance really shouldn't come as a surprise as the Cebuano has 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," said the 6-foot-7 forward who hails from Talisay City, with him seizing the baton for UP which is still missing the likes of Zavier Lucero and Malick Diouf.
Guards JD Cagulangan, Harold Alarcon, and Gerry Abadiano have also proven themselves for the Goldwin Monteverde-coached crew and the trio is expected to spearhead UP’s attack in the 5 p.m. main event.
Emilio Aguinaldo College (1-0) also has the same plans in mind when it battles Perpetual (0-1) in the 9 a.m. matinee, with coach Oliver Bunyi looking to build on the solid performances of Adam Doria, JP Maguliano, and Nat Cosejo.
Meanwhile, the L-Jay Gonzales-led Far Eastern University side 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, which will take on Arellano (0-1) at 1 p.m., and defending NCAA champion Letran, facing Jose Rizal University at 3 p.m., are both making their debuts in another loaded quintuple-header.