Dennis Gaviola

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<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17573291111081757329109187.jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Former UP stars JD Cagulangan and Carl Tamayo. UAAP Media/File"/>Former UP stars JD Cagulangan and Carl Tamayo. UAAP Media/File</div>MANILA — The reigning UAAP champions University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons reconnected with two familiar faces during their training camp in South Korea ahead of their title defense in the Season 88 men&#x27;s basketball tournament.The Fighting Maroons played against Korean Basketball League (KBL) squads from Aug. 24 to Sept. 2, including the current teams of former UP champions JD Cagulangan and Carl Tamayo.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2025/4/9/kbl-jd-cagulangan-is-rookie-of-the-year-carl-tamayo-in-mythical-5-1835">READ: JD Cagulangan is KBL Rookie of the Year, Carl Tamayo in Mythical 5</a></div>According to the Diliman squad&#x27;s assistant coach Christian Luanzon, the last leg of the team&#x27;s training camp was vital as both Cagulangan and Tamayo — who were instrumental in the program&#x27;s recent upswing — gave words of wisdom for their former teammates.&quot;We miss them for sure… Those are two players very special to us, not only on the court but even off the court,&quot; Luanzon said on Monday, Sept. 8, during a contract signing at UP Diliman.&quot;Yung mga payo na binibigay nila dati at yung mga payong binigay nila ngayon sa mga players, — importante yan yung mga mindset, how to approach a game, how to deal with losses, things like that and many other things,&quot; the deputy coach added.Between the two, Tamayo was the first to take his talents abroad, joining the Ryukyu Golden Kings of the Japanese B. League in 2023. The national team prospect  won a title there before moving to KBL&#x27;s Changwon LG Sakers a year later, becoming the first Filipino import to win a title in both leagues. In 2024, Cagulangan followed suit, signing with the Suwon KT Sonicboom just two days after punctuating his collegiate stint with a Finals Most Valuable Player plum and another UAAP crown.The reunion was extra special for UP captain Gerry Abadiano, who was glad to see his former teammates thrive on the international stage.&quot;Sobrang masaya ako para sa kanila, si Carl and Maimai [Cagulangan] na napunta sila sa Korea. And laking experience rin sa team namin… kasi ibang basketball yung pinag-uusapan pag international eh,&quot; the senior guard told ABS-CBN News.Abadiano shared that Cagulangan encouraged the Maroons to stay true to their system to keep the winning culture alive.&quot;Magtulungan lang kami as a team, kumbaga basketball hindi naman siya individual sports, team sports siya eh,&quot; he said. &quot;Panalo ng isa, panalo ng lahat, ganun yung mangyayari lagi.&quot;The Fighting Maroons are set to kickstart their title-defense bid against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers on Sept. 21 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2025/8/27/ust-to-defend-homecourt-against-reigning-champs-up-in-season-88-opener-2005">READ: UST to defend homecourt against reigning champs UP in Season 88 opener</a></div>

The reigning UAAP champions University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons reconnected with two familiar faces during their training camp in South Korea ahead of their title defense in the Season 88 men's basketball tournament.

The reigning UAAP champions University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons reconnected with two familiar faces during their training camp in South Korea ahead of their title defense in the Season 88 men's basketball tournament.

Seoul searching: Fighting Maroons reunite with Cagulangan, Tamayo before title defense in Season 88

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Seoul searching: Fighting Maroons reunite with Cagulangan, Tamayo before title defense in Season 88

Shayne Lee Andreas Macaraeg,

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern

Published September 09, 2025 08:00 AM PHT

Read More:

Abssports

UAAP

UAAP Season 88

UAAP basketball

UP Fighting Maroons

JD Cagulangan

Carl Tamayo

Gerry Abadiano

Christian Luanzon

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