New teammates Allen Durham and Carl Tamayo. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Count Allen Durham among those excited to see Carl Tamayo finally suit up for Ryukyu Golden Kings in the Japan B.League.
The former Meralco import, who’s in town for a quick vacation, said that he is looking forward to seeing the hype behind the former Univeristy of the Philippines star.
“I talked to him briefly yesterday,” the American forward told reporters on Friday shortly after the Bolts’ 111-104 loss to TNT at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I haven’t gotten the chance to really get into a deep conversation with him but I hear a lot of good things about him from Kiefer and Thirdy (Ravena) that he’s going to be a real asset to the team,” he went on.
Durham is one of the three American imports for the Golden Kings in the ongoing B.League season. He is set to play alongside Tamayo, who has been tapped to fill the Asian player quota once filled by former TNT forward Jay Washington.
The three-time PBA Best Import said that most of the Filipinos who have been playing in Japan have made good accounts of themselves in the B.League so he won’t be surprised if Tamayo’s just the same.
“All of them are good. All of them are really big assets to their team. I think Philippine basketball is translating over to other countries. So, they’re doing something right here, for sure,” he said.
The Durham-Tamayo partnership will be in full display when Ryukyu also figures in the East Asia Super League’s Champions Week in Utsunomiya this early March.
The Golden Kings are schedule to play San Miguel Beer, the Philippine Cup champions, who were also playing on Friday night.
“I’m here scouting,” Durham said with a chuckle. “But no, just here relaxing, trying to let my hair down a little bit. (Though) It’s gotta be exciting playing against the guy that you know, I played against so much in the PBA.
“I’m excited for that matchup,” he added.