Carl Tamayo’s KBL surge puts historic MVP run within reach as Filipino imports light up Korea

A halfway glance at the Korean Basketball League season suggests a shift quietly taking place—and at the center of it stands Carl Tamayo.

The Changwon LG Sakers forward has turned consistency into dominance, steering the league leaders to a 20-7 record while placing himself squarely in conversations rarely reserved for Asian imports, much less homegrown Filipinos. If the trajectory holds, Tamayo could carve out a piece of history as the first locally developed Filipino to capture KBL MVP honors.

Tamayo’s impact has gone beyond box scores, though the numbers tell a compelling story on their own: 16.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while anchoring a championship-caliber squad. 

Even on nights when he doesn’t explode offensively, his presence tilts games. That was evident in Changwon’s 80-62 dismantling of Seoul Samsung, where Tamayo calmly orchestrated the flow with nine points, eight boards, and six assists.

An MVP season would add to an already growing résumé that includes a KBL championship with the Sakers last year. It would also place him in rare company, following Fil-Am guard Ethan Alvano, the lone Asian import to win the award back in 2024. 

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Wild.#Carl_Tamayo #LG #KBL pic.twitter.com/BsMAWXfmQE

— 칼타마요#GilasPilipinas (@gilas_mayo) December 26, 2025

Yet Tamayo’s individual rise is unfolding within a broader Filipino wave sweeping through the KBL.

Rhenz Abando, Kevin Quiambao, Ethan Alvano, SJ Belangel, JD Cagulangan, and Justin Gutang have each carved distinct roles for their teams, from centerpiece scorers to steady stabilizers. 

Abando has reignited Anyang Jung Kwan Jang’s title chase after a year away, while Alvano continues to operate at an elite level for Wonju DB Promy. Quiambao, meanwhile, has embraced the burden of leadership for Goyang Sono despite the team’s struggles.

Even role players and newcomers are finding their footing. Arvin Tolentino has rediscovered his perimeter touch with Seoul SK, William Navarro is gaining momentum in Busan, and the impending arrival of Jake Figueroa adds another layer of intrigue to the season’s second half.

For Tamayo, however, the spotlight burns a little brighter. With Changwon eyeing a repeat and his all-around influence growing by the week, the MVP question no longer feels speculative—it feels imminent.

If the second half mirrors the first, Tamayo won’t just be leading a title defense. He may be redefining how far Filipino talent can go on one of Asia’s toughest professional stages.

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