After a horrid 2018 campaign, the AMA Online Education Titans may have found the pieces that will finally give them the last push they need for the 2019 PBA D-League season.
The Titans have acquired former ASEAN Basketball League standout Joshua Munzon with the first overall pick, and former De La Salle University Green Archers defensive specialist Kib Montalbo for the first pick of the second round.
“Happy kami kasi yung target namin, nakuha namin,” said assistant coach Edwin Ancheta, who represented head coach Mark Herrera in the draft proceedings.
Ancheta said that AMA and Munzon have yet to sign a contract, but the coach shared that the 24-year-old – who had memorable stints with Saigon and Malaysia – has already expressed his excitement over joining them.
“Wala pa, baka tomorrow. Pero in principle okay na. Actually bago tayo mag-draft, kausap ko siya, sabi niya he’s very excited,” said Ancheta.
“Meron siyang relatives sa Pampanga, kinwento na niya na baka ma-pick siya as first.”
Meanwhile with Montalbo, Ancheta said that the 5-foot-9 guard will add much-needed experience for the Titans especially to their backcourt.
“Si Kib kasi… Siyempre sa AMA, medyo nakita niyo naman yung guards namin hindi ganun ka-experienced talaga kasi nga school-based. So Kib Montalbo, malaki maititulong,” said Ancheta.
Given their draft picks, Ancheta now hopes that they would be of help in improving the Titans this season, as they only won a single outing in 21 games across the Aspirants’ and Foundation Cups last season.
“AMA, ‘pag Aspirants Cup usually nasa quarterfinals eh. Hopefully, semis naman,” said Ancheta. “Yun lang muna. One game at a time. Kung sakaling swertehin, championship. Pero malayo pa.
“Hintayin na lang.”
