Carl Tamayo's Ryukyu cops Japan B.League title

Carl Tamayo watched from bench as the Ryukyu Golden Kings claimed the championship title in the 2022-23 Japan B.League with an 88-73 drubbing of top seed Chiba Jets in Game 2 of their best-of-three finals series at the Kanagawa Prefecture on Sunday, May 28. The former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroon standout saw limited action in his overseas debut after striking a two-year deal with the club in February. Koh Flippin, though, delivered the goods with 21 points including three rebounds and eight assists for Ryukyu to snag the crown. Former PBA import Allen Durham, who tallied the team-high double-double outing of 26 points and 14 rebounds in Ryukyu’s 96-93 double overtime Game 1 win, chipped in 13 points this time. On the other hand, Yuki Togashi paced the Chiba Jets with 24 points and six assists. Tamayo, for his part, wasn’t fielded at all again in the Golden Kings’ title run, but expects to get decent playing time in the next season. “Of course, I’m very happy for my teammates, the team, the organization. We worked hard for this. I think the team deserves this. Very happy to be part of the team,” said Tamayo. “First ring as a rookie, too, so [I’m] happy to have this experience. Hopefully, we get the championship again [next season] and I will be able to help the team,” he added. The 22-year-old Filipino import only played for two seasons in the UAAP, highlighted by the Fighting Maroons’ first championship crown in 36 years. In Season 85, Tamayo helped UP to back-to-back finals showdown with the Ateneo Blue Eagles where they then fell in two games.