Lyceum of the Philippines had a hero on Saturday afternoon against powerhouse San Beda University.
And no, it wasn’t the seniors but rather a new guy who stepped up.
Gyle Montano shone for the Pirates, producing 18 points while shooting 7-of-11 from the field — 3-of-6 from deep — together with five boards and two steals, beating the Red Lions in an 89-81 fashion.
It was the opportunity the 2022 Pilipinas Super League U21 Aspirants Division Invitational Cup MVP was waiting for.
“Kinukuha ko yung kumpysnsa ko sa pag-sstart ko sa depensa eh. Dun ko nakuha yung kumpyansa ko. Malas man ako sa offense, nakabawi naman ako sa defense,” said Montano, who toughened up during the off-season with Consolacion Sarok Weavers. “Yun grinab ko lang yung opportunity na binigay ng coaches sakin. Kahit na rookie ako, hindi ko inisip na rookie ako. Binigay ko lang yung best ko.
“Sa training pa lang sinasanay na naminn yung sarili namin na kahit ilang yung lamang, hindi kami nada-down, stick pa din kami sa gameplan namin. Tapos yun, nagbunga naman yung disiplina namin na hindi nagigive-up sa game. Kaya yun, maganda yung resulta.”
Despite playing his best game yet, the 6-foot-2 guard did not forget to give credit to his teammates — specifically his kuya.
“Grabe si Kuya Enoch [Valdez]. Sa training pa lang siya na yung role model namin sa Lyceum e. Grabe yung work ethic niya. Naiinspire kaming mga bago. Grabe, grabe siya,” said Montano about Valdez.
Valdez was the one who helped Montano in the scoring department, finishing with 17 points along with eight rebounds and three assists.
With Valdez guiding him, the Lyceum-Cavite product is grateful that he made the right choice to become a Pirate rather than a Growling Tiger.
“Grabe sobrang solid, sobrang solid ng Lyceum,” said Montano, who almost went to University of Santo Tomas.
“Nung high school pa lang ako grabe yung culture na naadapt ko nung high school na nadala ko hanggang ngayon kaya yun, maganda naman yung resulta.”
