Carl Tamayo secures last-minute visa, Gilas Pilipinas gets full roster ahead of Guam clash 

Gilas Pilipinas’ buildup for the opening window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers nearly reached Guam at full strength—save for one final travel snag that kept Carl Tamayo briefly grounded in Manila.

The 24-year-old forward, expected to play a crucial floor-spacing role against host Guam, secured his U.S. visa only at the eleventh hour. 

With approval finally in hand, Tamayo is now set to take the earliest possible flight on Thursday and link up with the national team in time for their last full practice before game day.

His delay wasn’t for lack of effort; Tamayo’s visa interview came only on the morning of Gilas’ send-off, a logistical hurdle that left the team waiting. Still, he remained part of the Final 12 headed into Friday’s matchup against Jericho Cruz and Guam at the University of Guam Calvo Field House. 

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Coach Tim Cone expressed relief that the issue was resolved in time for Tamayo to contribute.
“We’re happy we got everything done,” Cone said, acknowledging how tight the timing had been.

While Tamayo works to catch up, another frontcourt pillar has already rejoined the fold. AJ Edu flew straight to Guam from the United States, where he recently got married in Gainesville, Virginia. Edu missed Gilas’ week-long training camp, but Cone welcomed his return—and the size and rim protection that comes with it.

Gilas arrived in Guam early Wednesday morning after a four-hour flight, and Cone wasted no time getting the group back on the court. A light rest at the hotel was followed by a late-afternoon session designed to reestablish rhythm amid the travel shuffle.

By Thursday, Cone expects to have the entire team together for the first and only time before tipoff. A brief shootaround scheduled for Friday morning will complete the preparation as Gilas braces for an energized Guam side eager to defend home turf.

Despite the logistical hiccups, Cone’s group enters the eve of competition intact—and, at long last, complete.

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