Carl Tamayo has returned to team practice with the Changwon LG Sakers, raising the possibility that he could play in the season opener.
LG will face Busan KCC on Oct. 3 at Sajik Gymnasium in Busan in the official opening game of the 2026-27 KBL season. The matchup features last season's regular-season champions LG against playoff champions KCC.
LG will not enter the new season at full strength. Tamayo and Yoo Ki-sang both suffered ankle injuries while playing for their respective national teams.
Ahead of LG's Open Match Day against KCC on Sept. 25, head coach Cho Sang-hyun said, "I hope both players [Tamayo and Yoo] can return soon. We've been preparing without them since our training camp in the Philippines, so I hope we can hold up well until they come back. Their absence also creates opportunities for other players. We've been told they could return as early as the second or third week of October. The players themselves say they're fine. I'm concerned about the first round."
Tamayo, who was injured in late August, was expected to return sooner than Yoo, who had yet to resume running.
"Tamayo has stayed in Changwon and has been training," Cho said. "We'll have to check on him Monday [Sept. 28]. He hasn't been able to participate in team practice yet.
He was given an eight-week recovery timetable, and six weeks have passed. His recovery has been quick, but he still has some pain. We need to see how he handles lateral movement. Even when he returns, we'll have to wait until he's back in full condition. We'll need to manage his minutes as we gradually bring him back."
LG signed Archie Goodwin with Tamayo, Yang Hong-seok, Jang Min-guk and Park Jung-hyun in mind. Having Tamayo on the floor would allow Goodwin to operate more freely on the court.
On Oct. 1, LG held a practice at its training facility in Changwon as it prepared for the season opener against KCC.
Unlike Yoo, Tamayo took part in the team practice. His return also allowed LG to work with a wider variety of lineup combinations.
LG will play all nine games of the first round on the road. With that in mind, having Tamayo available from the opener, even for limited minutes, would be a significant boost.
Will Tamayo be able to return against KCC on Oct. 3?
Words & Photos by Lee Jae-beom
This translation was reviewed with the assistance of AI.
[저작권자ⓒ 점프볼. 무단전재-재배포 금지]
