Adamson senior Monty Montebon and head coach Nash Racela shared a heartfelt moment after the Soaring Falcons secured their third straight win over the UST Growling Tigers.
Adamson’s streak against UST dates back to last year, and the Soaring Falcons extended it with an emphatic 85-57 victory in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the PhilSports Arena.
Now in his fourth year with the program, Montebon admitted that he has come a long way since his freshman season.
From Paul Smith’s College in New York, the 24-year-old guard shared that he initially struggled to buy into Racela’s system, insisting on playing the game his way. But after the Soaring Falcons went winless in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, Montebon has emerged as a catalyst for their fast start in Season 89.
“I think this being my fourth year under Coach Nash, I think my understanding of what he wants and expects from the players — I think I really understand it now,” the California native said.
“I think in the past, I was like fighting a bit with what he wanted and what I wanted to do.”
Montebon eventually realized the importance of his role as Adamson’s starting point guard, as well as the need for him and Racela to work together for the team to succeed.
Through his first two games, Montebon averaged just 11 points and 2.5 rebounds. On Saturday, however, he led the way with a double-double of 19 points and 15 rebounds.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“But then, I think I’m understanding it now, and I think buying into the role of — because I’m a point guard, I’m like an extension of the coach on the court,” he added.
“So I try my best to keep the guys settled and make sure they know what we’re doing.”
In turn, Racela has placed his trust in his senior guard.
Even if his assists do not always reflect it on the stat sheet, Montebon’s impact as a leader has exceeded the expectations Racela had for him when he was still a freshman.
“Actually, I’m really surprised with Monty, especially this year, kasi ‘yung leadership niya is really showing up,” Racela said.
Racela then praised Montebon by drawing from his own experience in the PBA. The Adamson mentor said he sees similarities between Montebon and Jeff Cariaso, whom he played with during his time with the Coca-Cola Tigers more than two decades ago.
“Normally, when you have a basketball team even in the pros, you have a Filipino group, and you have a Fil-foreign group. Then there’s one Fil-foreign player that is the glue. It’s like sila Coach Jeff Cariaso,” Racela added.
“I think Monty’s doing that right now kahit di marunong mag-Tagalog.”
Before Montebon could say anything else, Racela shared one final message with his senior guard in a candid moment.
“Just continue doing that.”
