But as they say, time heals all wounds.
La Salle’s captain was not present during their first round encounter last October 3, as he was nursing an injured left thumb. In the second round, his time on the floor was short-lived as he hurt his right knee after a collision with Germy Mahinay. The 5-foot-10 combo guard only ended up playing just five minutes in La Salle’s 110-69 win.
Still, the Bacolod native relished what could have been his last time to share the court with his former mentor.
“I was happy. I approached him during warm-ups. Hindi ko siya nakamayan nung first round eh,” he shared.
Together, the two won the UAAP Men’s Basketball crown back in Season 79 and finished with silver a year later. And Montalbo, who has been plagued with injuries all throughout his career, is still grateful to Ayo for helping build him to a new player.
“I give credit to him kasi wala akong ‘Man of Steal’ na moniker kung hindi dahil sa kanya eh,” he expressed.
“I learned a lot from him.”
And Montalbo shared that he is one of the people who are rooting for Ayo to find success in his third team in four years.
“I wish him luck sa career niya sa UST. Last year ko na eh kaya hindi kami magkikita.”
