Even after making a bad inbound pass that cost them the game against Ateneo in the first round, captain Kib Montalbo’s confidence has never wavered.
Other players would have probably let that kind of mistake continue to get the best of them, but not Kib. He is as tough as nails.
1 step backward, 2 steps forward. We’ll bounce back!
— Kib Montalbo (@kibmontalbo) October 8, 2017
In last Sunday’s rematch against the Blue Eagles, an opportunity presented itself for Kib to redeem himself. Strengthened by his resolve, he made sure that this time, he was not going to blow this one.
Despite scoring just 6 points, Kib made the biggest basket of the match. His turnaround jumper at the top of the key with 40 seconds left completed the Green Archers’s amazing comeback.
Go ahead basket of @kibmontalbo from my view. pic.twitter.com/KElnTEQ7qv
— Pong Ducanes (@ompongski) November 12, 2017
“Well, coach called for a play. I didn’t see anyone open, naka-deny lahat, I saw the lane and took what the defense gave me,”
“Yung team namin, anyone can take over. Whether you have it or not, if you have the shot, take it. I stick with that mentality.”
Even if Kib struggled to get his game going, coach Aldin Ayo continued to believe in his veteran and allowed him to remain on the floor during the crucial stretch.
Kib thanks his coach for the unrelenting trust.
“To have a coach like that really means a lot sa confidence level ng isang player. If you’re open take the shot. Si coach kasi wala siyang hinahatak na player. If you’re free take it. Whoever deserves to be on the court, will play,”
DLSU Green Archers guard @kibmontalbo talks about keeping Ateneo from sweeping the #UAAPSeason80 elimination round. https://t.co/sDo55hwVGt pic.twitter.com/clW4Fwa0La
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) November 13, 2017
As the Green Archers head into the semis match against Adamson, we hope to see Kib regain his offensive touch as they aim for a return trip to the finals.