Visa setbacks put Carl Tamayo’s Gilas availability in doubt ahead of Guam qualifier

Gilas Pilipinas is facing unexpected hurdles just two weeks before opening its FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers campaign, as visa delays threaten to sideline key forward Carl Tamayo for the crucial road game against Guam on November 28.

Head coach Tim Cone revealed that several members of the pool are still securing the necessary documents to enter the US territory—an issue that may ultimately influence the final roster.

“We are still having a little bit of problem with visas, trying to get visas… We’ve got a couple of guys still battling for visas so hopefully, that works out before we get going. That may change our line-up a little bit,” Cone said.

Tamayo, who has been one of the most explosive performers among all overseas-based Filipinos this season, is at the center of the concern.

“Carl Tamayo is one of those. As of now, he cannot go to Guam. But we are still trying to find, maneuver our way to get him in. Hopefully, that will settle out by the time we are ready to go,” Cone added. 

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Carl Tamayo is actually the best Asian power forward in the KBL.

I’m sorry for the South Korean fans who support them passionately, but there’s no South Korean player who can stop Carl Tamayo.#CarlTamayo #KBL pic.twitter.com/WGG3Nk9FxI

— 알럽바스켓공 (@baekpd1983) November 10, 2025

The situation also partly explains Cone’s decision to bring in Juan Gomez de Liano to the Gilas pool this week. With travel requirements proving to be a stumbling block for others, his availability has increased his chances of making the final 12.

“If we continue to have visa issues or God-forbid, someone gets injured or something, he could very well go. He’s got his visa and he is on the list so he could be part of the 12,” Cone said.

Tamayo’s form makes potential absence a major blow.

The timing is far from ideal for Gilas. Tamayo is coming off one of his best outings in the Korean Basketball League, torching Seoul Samsung for 34 points along with three rebounds, two steals, an assist, and a block, that he followed up with a 26-point performance, shooting 56% from beyond the arc. His team, the LG Sakers, remain atop the standings at 10–4, with the young Filipino playing an increasingly important role.

While paperwork—not performance—now stands between Tamayo and a spot in the Guam matchup, Gilas remains hopeful that the issues can be resolved in time.

The team expects clarity in the coming days as it tightens preparations for its first assignment of the 2027 World Cup qualifying cycle.

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