Wikipedia

Kib Montalbo

Kirell Brahndon Paco Montalbo (born April 2, 1996) is a Filipino professional basketball player for the Blackwater Bossing of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).[1]

Kib Montalbo
No. 3 – Blackwater Bossing
PositionPoint guard / shooting guard
LeaguePBA
Personal information
Born (1996-04-02) April 2, 1996 (age 28)
Bacolod, Philippines
NationalityFilipino
Listed height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Listed weight155 lb (70 kg)
Career information
High schoolBacolod Tay Tung High School (Bacolod)
St. John's Institute Bacolod (Bacolod)
CollegeDe La Salle
PBA draft2019: 1st round, 11th overall pick
Selected by the TNT KaTropa
Playing career2019–present
Career history
2019Makati Super Crunch
2020–2024TNT Tropang Giga
2024–presentBlackwater Bossing
Career highlights and awards
Medals
Men's Basketball
Representing  Philippines
Southeast Asian Games
Silver medal – second place 2021 Hanoi Team

High school career

edit

Montalbo's first sports were billiards and swimming.[2] He then tried out basketball after playing in his school's intramurals. He first played for Bacolod Tay Tung High School in the Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports Cultural Educational Association (NOPSSCEA), where his father was an assistant coach.[2][3] In 2009, he led his school to the NOPSSCEA finals where he scored 37 points but lost to St. John's Institute (SJI). He then transferred to SJI, where in his first year, he scored 45 points in the NOPSSCEA finals, but lost to the West Negros University Junior Mustangs.[4] In his final year with SJI, they dethroned the defending champion Junior Mustangs in the semifinals then went on to sweep the University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos Junior Rams in the best-of-three finals.[5]

In 2009, Montalbo was part of a Western Visayas selection that won the silver medal in that year's Palarong Pambansa.[6] His team was defeated by a National Capital Region (NCR) team led by future PBA player Renzo Subido. He was also a part of the 2010 Jr. NBA All Star–Philippines team that saw action in China.[5] In 2011, he played in the Seaoil Elite League, a basketball program held by the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) for high schoolers.[7] He helped his team get to the finals where they lost to a selection from Cebu.

Montalbo was recruited by De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University.[5] He was seen as the second-best recruit in the country behind Jerie Pingoy.[8] The entire DLSU coaching staff, star player Jeron Teng and even chief Archers patron Eduardo ‘Danding’ Cojuangco made a trip to his hometown of Bacolod just to recruit him.[9][10][11] On January 4, 2013, he committed to DLSU.[5] He chose them as many of his family members, including his parents, are alumni of that university.[2][12]

College career

edit

Coming into DLSU, Montalbo was seen as their next big recruit since Jeron Teng.[12] To start his rookie season however, he was often on the bench behind LA Revilla and Thomas Torres.[13] He started getting minutes after Torres was out with an illness. That season, the De La Salle Green Archers won the championship over the UST Growling Tigers.[14]

In 2014, Montalbo and Subido participated in the Nike All-Asia Basketball Camp, where they both made the Top 20 Asian Players list.[15] In Season 77, he stepped up once again as Torres was out with another injury, and took the starting role.[16] In a win over the Adamson Soaring Falcons, he had a college career-high 18 points.[17] In a win over the Tigers, he pulled a calf muscle, which took him out of the rotation for a week.[18][19] That season, the Archers made the Final Four, but were defeated by the FEU Tamaraws.[20]

In 2015, during a Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup match against the UE Red Warriors, Montalbo suffered an ACL injury.[21] Without him, the Archers didn't make the Final Four in Season 78.[22] He used the time away from basketball to recover and focus on his studies, making the dean's list for his course in business management.[23] He made his return to the team during the 2016 Filoil Cup.[24] In a Season 79 win over Adamson, he 12 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals. That performance led to him earning a Player of the Week award, becoming the third Archer that season to win one after Ben Mbala and Teng.[25] Later in the tournament, he hit a clutch triple against Adamson that gave La Salle their eighth straight win.[26] Their win streak ended at 12 games with a loss to their archrivals the Ateneo Blue Eagles.[27] In their last game of the elimination round, he scored 13 points in a win over FEU, and the Archers finished first in the standings with a record of 13–1.[28] He finished the elimination rounds third in minutes per game on the team.[29] They went on to sweep Ateneo in the finals.[30] That season, he led the league with career-highs of 2.8 steals and 2.8 assists. This was his second UAAP championship.[31] He was awarded the Pivotal Player Award during the 2017 Collegiate Basketball Awards.[32]

In the preseason, Montalbo was involved in a bench-clearing brawl against FEU.[33] Despite being punched in the face by a FEU player, he had no injuries.[34] For Season 80, he was made team captain.[35] They got their first win of the season against FEU, in which he made three straight threes, and finished with 12 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.[36] He was able to contribute that game despite coming off a viral infection that had him hospitalized. In a loss to Ateneo, he committed a costly turnover in the last nine seconds of the game that allowed Ateneo's Matt Nieto to get the win at the free throw line.[37] He then scored 12 points in a win over the UP Fighting Maroons that secured La Salle into second place.[38] In a rematch against Ateneo, he hit a clutch floater that gave La Salle the win.[39] In the Final Four, he guarded Adamson's best scorer in Jerrick Ahanmisi, limiting his scoring.[40] The Archers made the finals once again, where they lost Game 1 in the best-of-three series.[41] He rallied the Archers in Game 2 while contributing nine points, five assists and three steals, and they tied the series.[42] The Archers however, lost in Game 3 and the Eagles reclaimed the championship.[43]

Three games into Season 81, Montalbo fractured his left thumb, and expectations were that he would be out four to six weeks.[44] However, against his doctors or his parents' advice, he played again after two weeks.[45] He made his return in a loss to Ateneo. Montalbo reasoned that he made the risk of returning as it was his final season and that he would continue playing.[46] His college career ended in a loss to FEU as they did not qualify for the postseason.[47] He graduated with a degree in business management in 2021.[48]

Amateur career

edit

After college, Montalbo joined the PBA D-League draft in 2019, where he was drafted by the AMA Online Education Titans.[49] However, he was released days later, and was instead signed by the Marinerong Pilipino.[50] Later that year, he also joined the Makati Super Crunch in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).[51]

Professional career

edit

TNT Tropang Giga (2020–2024)

edit

Montalbo was then drafted 11th overall by the TNT Tropang Giga in the 2019 PBA draft.[52][48] He was given an 18-month long contract.[53] In TNT's first game during the 2020 season, he had two steals and two rebounds, but couldn't finish the game due to plantar fasciitis.[54] He was often on the bench in his rookie season.[52] That season, TNT made the finals, but lost to Barangay Ginebra in five games.[55]

In a 2021 Philippine Cup loss to the San Miguel Beermen, Montalbo led TNT with 13 points.[56] That performance led to him starting the following game, and he had 13 points, three rebounds, and two steals in a win over the NLEX Road Warriors.[57] He then had a PBA career-high of 22 points, five rebounds, and three assists in a win over the NorthPort Batang Pier.[58] In the playoffs, they defeated Ginebra in the quarterfinals.[59] From their, TNT went on to win the title, and he claimed his first PBA championship.[48] After that conference, he underwent surgery for his meniscus.[60] He was able to return to the team in the middle of the 2021 Governors' Cup.[61] He finished the season as a contender for Most Improved Player.

Three games into the 2022 Philippine Cup, Montalbo suffered a groin injury.[62] He made his return in a loss to the Beermen.[63] TNT finished the elimination round with a record of 8–3.[64] TNT returned to the finals against the Beermen, where in Game 2, he had 14 points in a loss.[65] TNT went on to lose to San Miguel in seven games.[66] During the Commissioner's Cup, he underwent an appendectomy.[67] In Game 4 of the Governors' Cup finals against Ginebra, he scored a season-high 16 points by making four treys as the team made a finals-record 21 three pointers and tied the series.[68] TNT went on to win the next two games, and claim the championship.[69]

Blackwater Bossing (2024–present)

edit

On July 2, 2024, he and Jewel Ponferada were traded to Blackwater Bossing for Rey Nambatac.[70]

PBA career statistics

edit
Legend
  GP Games played   GS Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field-goal percentage  3P%  3-point field-goal percentage  FT%  Free-throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

As of the end of 2023–24 season[71]

Season-by-season averages

edit
Year Team GP MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2020 TNT 17 11.5 .250 .226 .500 1.5 .4 .8 .2 1.7
2021 TNT 32 16.4 .477 .436 .708 1.4 1.5 .7 .1 6.4
2022–23 TNT 46 14.7 .392 .387 .710 1.5 1.2 .7 .2 4.1
2023–24 TNT 23 18.3 .362 .256 .611 1.2 2.8 .7 .1 3.9
Career 118 15.4 .403 .367 .680 1.5 1.5 .7 .2 4.3

National team career

edit

In 2022, Montalbo made his Philippine national team debut in a win over India, in which he had eight points.[72] He then was a last-minute addition to the roster for the 2021 SEA Games, where the Philippines got a silver medal.[73] As a TNT player for Coach Chot Reyes, he received ire from Gilas fans for being on the roster over the likes of CJ Perez.[73][74] Gilas netizens mockingly called him the "best point guard in Asia".[75]

Player profile

edit

In high school, Montalbo was known for his good outside shooting and slashing ability.[8] He was also compared to Hector Calma for his passing skills.[76] That changed in college, where he became known for his defense.[29][77] As DLSU's best perimeter defender, he developed a reputation of physical defense against his opponents.[40] His defense got him the nickname "Man of Steal".[31] He can impact games off the bench or as the starting point guard.[30][13] With his hard work and motivational skills, he is also known as a leader.[78][42]

Personal life

edit

Montalbo's father Roger is a graduate from La Salle Bacolod and is currently the team manager of Tay Tung High School's basketball team.[2][12][79] His mother Marizel is also a graduate from DLSU.[9] His sister Khryzia is a former dean's lister.[23] In college, he was in a relationship with La Salle volleyball star Desiree Cheng, but by 2020, they had stopped being together.[80]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Kib Montalbo - Players | PBA - The Official Website". www.pba.ph. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d Acuña, Luis Miguel (July 10, 2013). "Kib Montalbo: The "Kib" wonder". The LaSallian. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  3. ^ Buenafe, Nida (December 30, 2009). "SJI wins aspirant basketball crown". archives.visayandailystar.com. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  4. ^ "2011 NOPSSCEA Junior Mustangs dethrone SJI in high school basketball final". archives.visayandailystar.com. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d "Visayan high school standout Montalbo joins Green Archers | GoArchers". January 4, 2013. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  6. ^ Terrado, Reuben (November 3, 2021). "LOOK: Kib Montalbo, Chot Reyes crossed paths in 2009". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  7. ^ Villar, Joey (May 27, 2011). "Public schools next stop in Seaoil program". Philstar.com. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  8. ^ a b Atayde, Aaron. "Kib Montalbo Commits to De La Salle Green Archers - SLAMonline Philippines". Archived from the original on January 6, 2013. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  9. ^ a b Henson, Joaquin M. (November 23, 2012). "Kib in La Salle's sights". Philstar.com. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  10. ^ Terrado, Reuben (January 9, 2013). "Jeron Teng excited to play alongside 'The Kib'". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  11. ^ Terrado, Reuben (January 9, 2013). "'The Boss' delivers". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  12. ^ a b c De Jesus, Adiel Sam (February 1, 2013). "Bacolod native Kib Montalbo to become a Green Archer". The LaSallian. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  13. ^ a b Terrado, Reuben (August 27, 2013). "Patience a virtue as celebrated Montalbo seizes opportunity to shine at De La Salle". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  14. ^ Esparaz, Mark (August 17, 2019). "Green Archers 2013 UAAP Season Recap". Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  15. ^ Terrado, Reuben (June 14, 2014). "UST recruit Renzo Subido lands spot in Mythical Five of Nike All-Asia Basketball Camp". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  16. ^ Terrado, Reuben (July 27, 2014). "Juno Sauler has high hopes for Kib Montalbo while waiting for Torres' injury to heal". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  17. ^ Terrado, Reuben (August 2, 2014). "Kib Montalbo dishes out career game in La Salle's rout of hapless Adamson". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  18. ^ Bolando, A. J. (August 10, 2014). "Second stringers step up for La Salle in win over UST". Philstar.com. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  19. ^ Terrado, Reuben (August 12, 2014). "Sigh of relief for La Salle as injured Kib Montalbo ready to play in a week". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  20. ^ Gloria, Gio; de Borja, Maria Teresa (October 1, 2014). "UAAP: Belo's buzzer beater ends Green Archers' campaign". The LaSallian. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  21. ^ Terrado, Reuben (May 16, 2015). "Kib Montalbo suffers ACL injury, may miss entire UAAP season for La Salle". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  22. ^ Terrado, Reuben (September 1, 2016). "Deep, talent-laden La Salle looks to cause 'mayhem' in UAAP with trapping defense". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  23. ^ a b Terrado, Reuben (March 2, 2016). "La Salle guard Kib Montalbo turns a year devastated by injury into memorable one by making dean's list". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  24. ^ Lozada, Mei-Lin (May 20, 2016). "Kib Montalbo says he didn't do anything in scuffle to merit ejection, one-game ban". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  25. ^ Li, Matthew (September 26, 2016). "Player of the Week Montalbo finds silver lining from past injuries". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  26. ^ Terrado, Reuben (October 9, 2016). "La Salle unbeaten run now at eight as Archers survive huge scare from Falcons". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  27. ^ Terrado, Reuben (November 5, 2016). "Ateneo shatters La Salle cloak of invincibility, spoils Archers sweep bid with famous upset". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  28. ^ Li, Matthew (November 12, 2016). "Melecio fuels La Salle fight back against FEU". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  29. ^ a b Mercado, Renzo Miguel; Gloria, Gio (December 22, 2016). "Kib Montalbo regains swagger". The LaSallian. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  30. ^ a b Li, Matthew (December 8, 2016). "Montalbo ready to become the next King Archer". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  31. ^ a b Terrado, Reuben (December 9, 2016). "'Man of Steal' Kib Montalbo proud to rise above adversity to be a champ again". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  32. ^ Times, Tiebreaker (January 22, 2017). "Montalbo, Potts lead cast of student-athletes to be feted for excellence". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  33. ^ Times, Tiebreaker (August 25, 2017). "La Salle-FEU game in Davao called off after bench-clearing brawl". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  34. ^ Terrado, Reuben (August 20, 2017). "Kib Montalbo CT scan reveals no injury after getting hit in Davao basket-brawl". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  35. ^ "5 WV players banner UAAP men's caging". www.panaynews.net. September 13, 2017. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  36. ^ Flores, Migs (September 9, 2017). "Aljun Melecio, Green Archers hold off Tamaraws to punch first win". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  37. ^ Carmen, Lorenzo del (October 8, 2017). "Kib Montalbo targets FEU comeback after Ateneo loss". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  38. ^ Li, Matthew (October 15, 2017). "La Salle gets back at UP on Aldin Ayo's birthday". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  39. ^ Li, Matthew (November 12, 2017). "Kib Montalbo settles down, bounces back against Ateneo". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  40. ^ a b Jacinto, Christian (November 18, 2017). "Kib Montalbo says in-your-face tactics vs Ahanmisi simply 'clean, hard-nosed defense'". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  41. ^ Jacinto, Christian (November 26, 2017). "Kib Montalbo defiant as Archers fall behind title series: 'I couldn't consider myself as the underdog'". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  42. ^ a b Li, Matthew (November 29, 2017). "Kib Montalbo toughens up; Rest of Green Archers follow suit". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  43. ^ Carmen, Lorenzo del (December 4, 2017). "Aljun Melecio, Andrei Caracut speak on behalf of devastated Kib Montalbo". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  44. ^ Leongson, Randolph B. (September 24, 2018). "La Salle guard Kib Montalbo faces long layoff due to thumb injury". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  45. ^ Leongson, Randolph B. (October 6, 2018). "Montalbo defies doc, parents' wishes to make early return from injury". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  46. ^ Magcamit, Yann (October 7, 2018). "Kib Montalbo on his sudden appearance in ADMU-DLSU game despite injury: "Basta lalaro ako"". Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  47. ^ Sarmenta, Yoyo (November 22, 2018). "Montalbo and Santillan closing chapter on La Salle journey". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  48. ^ a b c "Double celebration for first-time PBA champ Kib Montalbo". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  49. ^ Leongson, Randolph B. (January 16, 2019). "With Munzon and Montalbo, AMA Titans hoping to finally get over quarterfinals hump". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  50. ^ Terrado, Reuben (March 12, 2019). "Marinerong Pilipino picks up Kib Montalbo after being released by AMA". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  51. ^ "Kib Montalbo, Arvin Tolentino, Simon Atkins sign with MPBL teams". Spin.ph. May 7, 2019. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  52. ^ a b Bacnis, Justine (November 3, 2021). "Kib Montalbo looks back on how he was able to earn Chot's trust". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  53. ^ Leongson, Randolph B. (January 3, 2020). "Kib Montalbo comes to terms with TnT on 18-month contract". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  54. ^ Li, Matthew (October 15, 2020). "Kib Montalbo out two weeks due to plantar fasciitis". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  55. ^ "Ginebra dispatches TNT in Game 5, captures PH Cup title". RAPPLER. December 9, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  56. ^ Bacnis, Justine (September 8, 2021). "San Miguel deals TNT first PBA PH Cup loss in dominant fashion". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  57. ^ Bacnis, Justine (September 10, 2021). "Kib Montalbo proving that he belongs in TNT's starting five". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  58. ^ Terrado, Reuben (September 15, 2021). "Chot not surprised as Montalbo hard work leads to scoring career-high". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  59. ^ Bacnis, Justine (September 29, 2021). "Top seed TNT ends Ginebra's PBA PH Cup reign". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  60. ^ "Kib Montalbo out for TNT after undergoing meniscal repair". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  61. ^ Terrado, Reuben (February 7, 2022). "Fuller goes full-time as TNT welcomes Rosario, Montalbo". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  62. ^ "Strained groin keeps Kib Montalbo out of TNT for a while". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  63. ^ Bacnis, Justine (July 7, 2022). "PBA: Fajardo, Cruz lead San Miguel attack on TNT, seize solo lead". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  64. ^ Valencia, Justin (July 10, 2022). "PBA: TNT gives Chot, Erram fitting sendoff, romps Ginebra for 8-3 slate". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  65. ^ Bacnis, Justine (August 24, 2022). "PBA: Manuel powers breakaway vs TNT as San Miguel takes Game 2". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  66. ^ Ventura, Sid (September 4, 2022). "San Miguel usher in new era by seeing off TNT to win 2022 Philippine Cup". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  67. ^ Ramos, Gerry (November 5, 2022). "Kib Montalbo out for six weeks due to appendectomy". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  68. ^ Dioquino, Delfin (April 16, 2023). "Montalbo turns into unlikely hero as hot-shooting TNT ties Ginebra in PBA finals". RAPPLER. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  69. ^ Dalupang, Denison Rey A. (April 21, 2023). "TNT ends Ginebra reign, wins 2023 PBA Governors' Cup crown". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  70. ^ Gerry, Ramos (July 2, 2024). "Rey Nambatac finally at TNT as revised trade gets PBA approval". Spin.ph. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  71. ^ "Kib Montalbo Player Profile, TNT Tropang Giga - RealGM". basketball.realgm.com.
  72. ^ Li, Matthew (February 26, 2022). "Having 'chip on his shoulder', Montalbo delivers in Gilas debut". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  73. ^ a b "Why 4 TNT players made Chot's SEA Games team, and why C-Stan isn't in it". Spin.ph. June 4, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  74. ^ Riego, Norman (June 8, 2022). "Kib Montalbo: With more doubters come more opportunities to prove myself". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  75. ^ "Netizens mock Gilas coach Chot Reyes: Nasaan si Kib Montalbo?". July 9, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  76. ^ Terrado, Reuben (January 29, 2013). "Pass-first Kib Montalbo spurs Calma comparisons". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  77. ^ de Dios, Diego Vergel (May 28, 2020). "Former DLSU backcourt duo discuss their journey to basketball supremacy". The LaSallian. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  78. ^ Li, Matthew (October 27, 2018). "Struggling to find his rhythm, Kib Montalbo makes sure to provide La Salle with goodies, leadership". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  79. ^ "Alarcon not yet cleared by Tay Tung, says coach". SUNSTAR. May 22, 2018. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  80. ^ "KKDwight, Kiefly, and all real-life basketball-volleyball couples we loved". Spin.ph. January 25, 2022. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kib_Montalbo&oldid=1242914548"