The De La Salle University’s King Archer Kib Montalbo has not looked like the leader the Green Archers groomed to him become since Ben Mbala returned.
In La Salle’s first eight games this season, the 5-foot-9 guard averaged just 6.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.6 steals in just 23 minutes of action. His numbers are down across the board from last year, especially in the steals department.
With his struggles, the Green Archers’ skipper needed to do something, as this season has proved that the rest of the league has caught up with them. But first off, Montalbo needed to go back to basics, recalling the drills he used to do with a former member of their coaching staff.
“I did a lot of extra work,” the 20-year-old guard shared. “It’s been a while na off yung shooting ko so I remembered lang yung tinuro ni coach Siot [Tanquingcen] sa akin na it’s all about the foot and the rhythm so I thank him for that.”
And it worked on Sunday afternoon, as he was the spark that lit up La Salle in their 85-62 win over the University of the Philippines. Montalbo scored 12 points in the outing, going 4-for-9 from the field and 2-for-4 from downtown.
With his best outing since September 20, Montalbo is guaranteeing that he has finally gotten over his skid.
“I’m optimistic na matutuloy-tuloy na siya,” said a rejuvenated Montalbo.
“Ang approach ko, one game at a time.”
Moreover, the fifth-year guard is looking to get back on track on the defensive end, as it is what brought him to the dance.
“Lahat ng stars, I want to defend them kasi nacha-challenge ako, I want to defend them, I want to shut them down.”
