Amidst swirling speculations, Gilas Pilipinas forward Carl Tamayo dispels rumors of his imminent stint in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). Contrary to reports circulating online, Tamayo, represented by Virtual Playground management, clarified that he remains solely committed to the national team, dismissing notions of joining the Manila Stars in the MPBL.

The rumors gained traction following Tamayo’s standout performance for Gilas in the recent FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, where he showcased his prowess on the court. However, Virtual Playground refuted these claims, emphasizing Tamayo’s unwavering dedication to Gilas Pilipinas. With the national team being his primary focus, Tamayo is currently evaluating his options for his professional basketball career.

A standout from the University of the Philippines, the 6-foot-8 forward recently parted ways with the Ryukyu Golden Kings in the Japan B. League, paving the way for his return to Philippine basketball. Despite limited playing time with the Golden Kings, Tamayo’s potential caught the eye of Gilas head coach Tim Cone, who sees him as a cornerstone player for the national team, especially in upcoming tournaments like the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Tamayo’s recent performance with Gilas showcased his capabilities on the international stage, underscoring his value to the Philippine basketball program. During the qualifiers, he averaged 6.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in victories against Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei, reaffirming his status as a rising star in Philippine basketball.