Carl Tamayo and JD Cagulangan, two former UP teammates, shared the limelight as they were honored for the 2024–2025 Korean Basketball League (KBL) season.
JD Cagulangan’s first pro season
In 28 games with the Suwon KT Sonicboom, Cagulangan averaged 7.3 points, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals, earning him the title of Rookie of the Year in just his first year as a pro player.
The 24-year-old, who helped the Sonicboom finish in fourth place with a 33-21 record in the elimination stages, now joins RJ Abarrientos as the Filipino immigrant to win the top rookie prize.
He joined the team in January after winning two titles with the UP Fighting Maroons.
Carl Tamayo’s brilliance
As the Changwon LG Sakers finished the elimination rounds as the second seed with a 34-20 record, Tamayo emerged as one of their reliable players, recording 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, earning a berth on the Mythical Team.
Tamayo also scored 30 points in four games during his breakthrough season with Changwon, including a career-high 37 points against the Seoul Samsung Thunders on January 9. With 37 points, Tamayo also holds the record for most points scored by Filipino immigrants in the Korean league.
After a fruitless time in Japan, Tamayo finally settled in Korea, where he was accompanied by teammates Assem Marei and the Seoul SK Knights’ Jameel Warney, An Young-jun, and Kim Sun-hyung.
