Remember when JD Cagulangan and Carl Tamayo were the dynamic duo leading the UP Fighting Maroons to championship glory? Fast forward to 2025, and these former teammates have taken their talents to the Korean Basketball League (KBL), now facing off as rivals on foreign soil.
In UAAP Season 84 (2021–2022), the UP Fighting Maroons ended a 36-year title drought by clinching the championship. Carl Tamayo, then a rookie, played a pivotal role throughout the season, earning him the Rookie of the Year award.
JD Cagulangan etched his name in UP lore by sinking a game-winning three-pointer in overtime during Game 3 of the finals against the Ateneo Blue Eagles, securing the title.
Cagulangan struck again in UAAP Season 87 (2024–2025), leading UP to another championship. This time, Maimai’s consistent excellence earned him the Finals MVP award, capping off his collegiate career in style.
Tamayo’s Dominance in the KBL
Standing at 6-foot-8, Carl Tamayo joined the Changwon LG Sakers in the KBL. He quickly made his mark, delivering a career-high 37 points against the Seoul Samsung Thunders, making all 15 of his two-point attempts.
He followed this with a 31-point performance against the Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters. These stellar outings earned him the MVP award for the third round of the KBL regular season, making him the first Asian import to receive this honor.
Cagulangan’s Transition to the Korean Pro League
JD Cagulangan, the 5-foot-9 guard known for his clutch plays, signed with the Suwon KT Sonicboom in December 2024. In his debut, he showcased his versatility with seven points, nine assists, five steals, and four rebounds.
In a subsequent game, he faced off against his former UP teammate, Carl Tamayo. Cagulangan contributed nine points and three assists, but his team fell short with a 78-70 loss to the LG Sakers.
Their journey from leading the UP Fighting Maroons to championships to competing as rivals in the KBL but best friends off the court, is a testament to their growth and adaptability. While they now don different jerseys, the bond they formed in Diliman remains evident, even as they battle it out on the hardwood.
