By MARK REY MONTEJO
Former University of the Philippines standouts Carl Tamayo and JD Cagulangan established themselves as the newest stars of the Korean Basketball League (KBL) after winning individual awards.
For his consistent showing, the 6-foot-7 Tamayo was selected as one of the Mythical Team members, a feat that further embellished his status as one of the league’s certified stars.
Cagulangan, on the other hand, was named Rookie of the Year, what with his able leadership that helped transform Suwon KT Sonicboom into what it is today – being one of the popular teams in the league.
Cagulangan became the second Filipino cager to win the said award since Ginebra guard RJ Abarrientos’ time with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus in the 2022-23 season.
Other members of Mythical Selection are his Changwon teammate Assem Marei, Seoul SK’s Jameel Warney, Kim Sun-hyung, and MVP winner Ahn Young-Jun.
The Talisay, Cebu native, who is in his first year on Korean soil, achieved the feat as he averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists to propel the LG Sakers to a 34-20 tally at second place.
With that position, Changwon automatically earned an outright semifinal berth.
In 39 games, the 24-year-old Tamayo had four 30-point games, 10 20-point outings, and three double-double performances. His biggest scoring production so far was 37 points which he posted in the team’s 92-88 loss to the Seoul Samsung Thunders last Jan. 9.
A two-time UAAP champion, Cagulangan posted 7.3 points, 4.3 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 28 contests for the Sonicboom who currently hold a 33-21 card to enter the quarterfinal.
