Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Montalbo ready to become the next King Archer


Ever since his third year, Kib Montalbo has beenĀ molded to be the next King Archer

Last season, Kib Montalbo had an unusual view of the De La Salle University Green Archers’s games. Sidelined for the entire year due to a torn ACL, the Bacolod native kept busy on the sidelines, learning the game from the perspective of former head coach Juno Sauler and his staff.

The year on the sidelines also taught the 5-foot-9 floor general a valuable lesson: that the team should play for each other.

La Salle’s dominant Season 79 campaign would not have been as imposing as it was without Montalbo’s production. Though he had come off the bench in all of the Green Archers’ 17 games, he was still able to lead their bench mob, and even lead the league in assists (2.8) and steals (2.8) — all career-highs.

And it’s all because of the lessons he learned during his one-year hiatus.

“Akala ng iba na we didn’t work hard, automatic champion, pero it’s not that e,” the 20-year-old said. “How you play as a team, yun yung importante. We showed it kanina – good ball movement and playing for each other.”

All of their hard work this season came into fruition after La Salle swept the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eaglesin two games to clinch their second crown in four years. Montalbo could not hide his relief over La Salle finally being at the top of collegiate basketball.UAAP-79-DLSU-vs.-AdU-Montalbo-5864 Montalbo ready to become the next King Archer Basketball DLSU News UAAP  - philippine sports news

“Sobrang sarap! We worked so hard!,” exclaimed Montalbo, who scored nine points in the championship-clinching game. “Forming our team to play for each other. Feels so good lang talaga.”

“We proved ourselves.”

But with Jeron Teng, Thomas Torres, Jason Perkins, and Julian Sargent all gone next season, Montalbo will be the most senior of all the Green Archers. But he has admitted that he was beingĀ groomed to take this job for the longest time.

#ReadMore  Bolick, Malonzo 1-2 in PBA Comm's Cup BPC race

“Ngayon, they have been molding me, helping me to be a leader. Kahit sa seniors, I still talk to them,” he shared.

“I feel I led the second group. I’m starting to become La Salle’s leader and I’m ready for it.”

The training he has had both off (during his third year) and on (leading the second unit) has truly prepared Montalbo to be the next King Archer.

Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

National University found a familiar comfort at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. Ten days ago, NU stunned the UP Fighting Maroons at the same venue...

Basketball

Aside from the pride of representing Gilas Pilipinas once again, Kevin Quiambao shared that his newborn son, Kevin Vennan, will serve as an added...

AdU

Dylan Darbin hit a clutch jumper with barely a second remaining, as Centro Escolar University spoiled Rey Remogat’s debut for University of the Philippines,...

Basketball

Kevin Quiambao admitted to playing in a “ligang labas” game last weekend, a move that has stirred some controversy amid his busy schedule in...

Basketball

Topex Robinson shrugged off the volatile reactions he received during De La Salle Universityā€™s 77-66 victory over fellow championship contender University of the Philippines...

Basketball

Defending champions De La Salle Green Archers continued their dominance over the University of the Philippines, defeating the Fighting Maroons 77-66 to secure the...

Basketball

La Salle maintained its perfect record, while reigning UCAL champion Centro Escolar University (CEU) strengthened its semifinal bid in the PGFlex Linoleum Invitational Tournament...

Basketball

By: Jan Marcus Montevirgen Kevin Quiambao has expressed interest in joining De La Salle University’s esports team to compete in the 2025 UAAP Esports...

Advertisement