MANILA, Philippines — UP's Carl Tamayo will be missed by Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming fifth window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers next week.
This as the UAAP champion is still nursing an injury he suffered in the first round of UAAP Season 85 against the UE Red Warriors.
After their second round meeting against UE on Saturday, Tamayo bared to media that he feels like he needs to rest the nagging injury and is set to take time during the UAAP's FIBA break for rehab.
"May mga previous injury ako na kailangan i-rehab. Sinusubukan namin kausapin yung Gilas. Nagsend naman kami ng formal letter to excuse." said Tamayo after UP's 83-69 drubbing of UE.
"Nararamdaman ko sa sarili ko na I need to rest and rehab. I think Gilas will understand naman." he continued.
Tamayo played limited minutes and finished scoreless in more than 12 minutes of action as a starter in Saturday's game.
The big man himself said that he doesn't feel at the top of his game and will not be able to contribute well for the national team.
"I think I'm not 100-percent na pupunta sa Gilas at di ako makakatulong pag di ako 100-percent. Di ako confident sa sarili ko." said Tamayo.
"One of the reasons kung bakit dinesisyunan namin ni coach [Goldwin Monteverde] na wag muna akong sumama ngayon kasi di rin ako makaktulong sa sitwasyon." he added.
Still, he underscored his commitment from the national team when he is healthy.
"Lagi naman ako open para tumulong sa Pilipinas. Ngayon lang talaga, feeling ko na alanganin yung sarili ko and I think Gilas will understand my situation." said Tamayo.
The UP stalwart says he is still set to inform Gilas head coach Chot Reyes of his decision.
Tamayo normed 8.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 17.7 minutes of play in three games during the Asian qualifiers.
Tamayo's absence will compound Gilas woes as June Mar Fajardo will also be missing for this set of games.
Gilas plays on the road against Jordan and Saudi Arabia on November 10 and November 13 (November 11 and November 14, Manila time).
Tamayo is one of the three call-ups from the UAAP, with La Salle's Kevin Quiambao and Ateneo's Ange Kouame also earning slots in the pool.
The national team is leaving for Jordan in two days.