Kib Montalbo finds his redemption
Last October 8, De La Salle University skipper Kib Montalbo made a crucial mistake on the biggest of stage in the local collegiate scene. A lackadaisical inbound pass by Montalbo led to the game-winning free throws of the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, and to the Green Archers’ second loss of the season.
Since then, the 20-year-old has been steady, helping steer the Green Archers to a six-game winning streak heading into the final elimination round game of the season.
“That first game, when Kib made those mistakes, [actually] he had lots of mistakes. It doesn’t change the way kung paano ko tinitingnan si Kib,” shared second-year La Salle head coach Aldin Ayo. “He committed mistakes but he’s part of the team. He’s one of my leaders, he is co-captain. Whatever he does, I am going to support him.
“Ang pagkakamali ng isa, pagkakamali ng buong team.”
Because of the words of encouragement he received from his mentor, Montalbo entered their second encounter against the Blue Eagles with a clear head.
“Hindi ko iniisip na babawi ako. I just wanna play my game, be aggressive, nung una I was a little bit gigil, di pala a little bit, sobrang gigil pala,” the fifth-year combo guard recalled.
“Coach said kalma lang, calm down. I calmed down and eventually settled down.”
When the game was in its most crucial of moments, Montalbo stepped up to the plate.
The Green Archers were able to cut a 69-76 lead with 2:24 left, down to just a solitary point a minute and three seconds later. After getting a stop, Montalbo took charge, spinning into the lane for an elegant floater. That shot proved to be the go-ahead shot in the contest. In addition, the Bacolod-native found his redemption.
“Yung team namin, anyone can take over. Whether you have it or not, if you have the shot, take it,” said the 5-foot-9 guard, who finished the game with six points, three rebounds, three assists, and a steal.
“I stick with that mentality.”
Safe to say, Montalbo has no plans of stopping.
“It ain’t over til it’s over, di kami mag-sto-stop until we get that crown.”
