Kib Montalbo Explained
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]
High school career
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.[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. 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. 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. He chose them as many of his family members, including his parents, are alumni of that university.[12]
College career
Coming into DLSU, Montalbo was seen as their next big recruit since Jeron Teng. 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.
Amateur career
After college, Montalbo joined the PBA D-League draft in 2019, where he was drafted by the AMA Online Education Titans.[48] However, he was released days later, and was instead signed by the Marinerong Pilipino.[49] Later that year, he also joined the Makati Super Crunch in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).[50]
Professional career
TNT Tropang Giga (2020–2024)
Montalbo was then drafted 11th overall by the TNT Tropang Giga in the 2019 PBA draft.[51] [52] 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. 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. 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)
On July 2, 2024, he and Jewel Ponferada were traded to Blackwater Bossing for Rey Nambatac.[70]
PBA career statistics
As of the end of 2023–24 season[71]
Season-by-season averages
|-| align=left | | align=left | TNT| 17 || 11.5 || .250 || .226 || .500 || 1.5 || .4 || .8 || .2 || 1.7|-| align=left | | align=left | TNT| 32 || 16.4 || .477 || .436 || .708 || 1.4 || 1.5 || .7 || .1 || 6.4|-| align=left | | align=left | TNT| 46 || 14.7 || .392 || .387 || .710 || 1.5 || 1.2 || .7 || .2 || 4.1|-| align=left | | align=left | TNT| 23 || 18.3 || .362 || .256 || .611 || 1.2 || 2.8 || .7 || .1 || 3.9|-class=sortbottom| align="center" colspan=2 | Career| 118 || 15.4 || .403 || .367 || .680 || 1.5 || 1.5 || .7 || .2 || 4.3
National team career
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.[74] Gilas netizens mockingly called him the "best point guard in Asia".[75]
Player profile
In high school, Montalbo was known for his good outside shooting and slashing ability. He was also compared to Hector Calma for his passing skills.[76] That changed in college, where he became known for his defense.[77] As DLSU's best perimeter defender, he developed a reputation of physical defense against his opponents. His defense got him the nickname "Man of Steal". He can impact games off the bench or as the starting point guard. With his hard work and motivational skills, he is also known as a leader.[78]
Personal life
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.[79] His mother Marizel is also a graduate from DLSU. His sister Khryzia is a former dean's lister. In college, he was in a relationship with La Salle volleyball star Desiree Cheng, but by 2020, they had stopped being together.[80]
Notes and References
- Web site: Kib Montalbo - Players PBA - The Official Website . June 10, 2022 . www.pba.ph.
- Web site: Acuña . Luis Miguel . July 10, 2013 . Kib Montalbo: The "Kib" wonder . June 24, 2023 . The LaSallian . en-US.
- Web site: Buenafe . Nida . December 30, 2009 . SJI wins aspirant basketball crown . June 24, 2023 . archives.visayandailystar.com.
- Web site: 2011 NOPSSCEA Junior Mustangs dethrone SJI in high school basketball final . June 24, 2023 . archives.visayandailystar.com.
- Web site: January 4, 2013 . Visayan high school standout Montalbo joins Green Archers GoArchers . June 24, 2023 . en-US.
- Web site: Terrado . Reuben . November 3, 2021 . LOOK: Kib Montalbo, Chot Reyes crossed paths in 2009 . June 24, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Villar . Joey . May 27, 2011 . Public schools next stop in Seaoil program . June 24, 2023 . Philstar.com.
- Web site: Atayde . Aaron . Kib Montalbo Commits to De La Salle Green Archers - SLAMonline Philippines . https://web.archive.org/web/20130106045821/http://www.slamonlineph.com/high-school-college-d-league/kib-montalbo-commits-to-de-la-salle-green-archers/ . January 6, 2013 . June 24, 2023 .
- Web site: Henson . Joaquin M. . Joaquin Henson . November 23, 2012 . Kib in La Salle's sights . June 24, 2023 . Philstar.com.
- Web site: Terrado . Reuben . January 9, 2013 . Jeron Teng excited to play alongside 'The Kib' . June 24, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Terrado . Reuben . January 9, 2013 . 'The Boss' delivers . June 24, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: De Jesus . Adiel Sam . February 1, 2013 . Bacolod native Kib Montalbo to become a Green Archer . June 24, 2023 . The LaSallian . en-US.
- Web site: Terrado . Reuben . August 27, 2013 . Patience a virtue as celebrated Montalbo seizes opportunity to shine at De La Salle . June 24, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Esparaz . Mark . August 17, 2019 . Green Archers 2013 UAAP Season Recap . June 24, 2023 . en-US.
- Web site: Terrado . Reuben . June 14, 2014 . UST recruit Renzo Subido lands spot in Mythical Five of Nike All-Asia Basketball Camp . June 24, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Terrado . Reuben . July 27, 2014 . Juno Sauler has high hopes for Kib Montalbo while waiting for Torres' injury to heal . June 24, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Terrado . Reuben . August 2, 2014 . Kib Montalbo dishes out career game in La Salle's rout of hapless Adamson . June 24, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Bolando . A. J. . August 10, 2014 . Second stringers step up for La Salle in win over UST . June 24, 2023 . Philstar.com.
- Web site: Terrado . Reuben . August 12, 2014 . Sigh of relief for La Salle as injured Kib Montalbo ready to play in a week . June 24, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Gloria . Gio . de Borja . Maria Teresa . October 1, 2014 . UAAP: Belo's buzzer beater ends Green Archers' campaign . June 24, 2023 . The LaSallian . en-US.
- Web site: Terrado . Reuben . May 16, 2015 . Kib Montalbo suffers ACL injury, may miss entire UAAP season for La Salle . June 24, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Terrado . Reuben . September 1, 2016 . Deep, talent-laden La Salle looks to cause 'mayhem' in UAAP with trapping defense . June 24, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Terrado . Reuben . March 2, 2016 . La Salle guard Kib Montalbo turns a year devastated by injury into memorable one by making dean's list . June 24, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Lozada . Mei-Lin . May 20, 2016 . Kib Montalbo says he didn't do anything in scuffle to merit ejection, one-game ban . June 24, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Li . Matthew . September 26, 2016 . Player of the Week Montalbo finds silver lining from past injuries . June 24, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
- Web site: Terrado . Reuben . October 9, 2016 . La Salle unbeaten run now at eight as Archers survive huge scare from Falcons . June 24, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Terrado . Reuben . November 5, 2016 . Ateneo shatters La Salle cloak of invincibility, spoils Archers sweep bid with famous upset . June 24, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Li . Matthew . November 12, 2016 . Melecio fuels La Salle fight back against FEU . June 24, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
- Web site: Mercado . Renzo Miguel . Gloria . Gio . December 22, 2016 . Kib Montalbo regains swagger . June 24, 2023 . The LaSallian . en-US.
- Web site: Li . Matthew . December 8, 2016 . Montalbo ready to become the next King Archer . June 24, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
- Web site: Terrado . Reuben . December 9, 2016 . 'Man of Steal' Kib Montalbo proud to rise above adversity to be a champ again . June 24, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Times . Tiebreaker . January 22, 2017 . Montalbo, Potts lead cast of student-athletes to be feted for excellence . June 24, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
- Web site: Times . Tiebreaker . August 25, 2017 . La Salle-FEU game in Davao called off after bench-clearing brawl . June 24, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
- Web site: Terrado . Reuben . August 20, 2017 . Kib Montalbo CT scan reveals no injury after getting hit in Davao basket-brawl . June 24, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: September 13, 2017 . 5 WV players banner UAAP men's caging . June 24, 2023 . www.panaynews.net.
- Web site: Flores . Migs . September 9, 2017 . Aljun Melecio, Green Archers hold off Tamaraws to punch first win . June 24, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
- Web site: Carmen . Lorenzo del . October 8, 2017 . Kib Montalbo targets FEU comeback after Ateneo loss . June 24, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
- Web site: Li . Matthew . October 15, 2017 . La Salle gets back at UP on Aldin Ayo's birthday . June 24, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
- Web site: Li . Matthew . November 12, 2017 . Kib Montalbo settles down, bounces back against Ateneo . June 24, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
- Web site: Jacinto . Christian . November 18, 2017 . Kib Montalbo says in-your-face tactics vs Ahanmisi simply 'clean, hard-nosed defense' . June 24, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Jacinto . Christian . November 26, 2017 . Kib Montalbo defiant as Archers fall behind title series: 'I couldn't consider myself as the underdog' . June 24, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Li . Matthew . November 29, 2017 . Kib Montalbo toughens up; Rest of Green Archers follow suit . June 24, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
- Web site: Carmen . Lorenzo del . December 4, 2017 . Aljun Melecio, Andrei Caracut speak on behalf of devastated Kib Montalbo . June 24, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
- Web site: Leongson . Randolph B. . September 24, 2018 . La Salle guard Kib Montalbo faces long layoff due to thumb injury . June 24, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Leongson . Randolph B. . October 6, 2018 . Montalbo defies doc, parents' wishes to make early return from injury . June 24, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Magcamit . Yann . October 7, 2018 . Kib Montalbo on his sudden appearance in ADMU-DLSU game despite injury: "Basta lalaro ako" . June 24, 2023.
- Web site: Sarmenta . Yoyo . November 22, 2018 . Montalbo and Santillan closing chapter on La Salle journey . June 24, 2023 . ESPN.com . en.
- Web site: Leongson . Randolph B. . January 16, 2019 . With Munzon and Montalbo, AMA Titans hoping to finally get over quarterfinals hump . June 25, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Terrado . Reuben . March 12, 2019 . Marinerong Pilipino picks up Kib Montalbo after being released by AMA . June 25, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: May 7, 2019 . Kib Montalbo, Arvin Tolentino, Simon Atkins sign with MPBL teams . June 25, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Bacnis . Justine . November 3, 2021 . Kib Montalbo looks back on how he was able to earn Chot's trust . June 10, 2022 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
- Web site: Double celebration for first-time PBA champ Kib Montalbo . June 10, 2022 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Leongson . Randolph B. . January 3, 2020 . Kib Montalbo comes to terms with TnT on 18-month contract . June 25, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Li . Matthew . October 15, 2020 . Kib Montalbo out two weeks due to plantar fasciitis . June 25, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
- Web site: December 9, 2020 . Ginebra dispatches TNT in Game 5, captures PH Cup title . June 25, 2023 . RAPPLER . en-US.
- Web site: Bacnis . Justine . September 8, 2021 . San Miguel deals TNT first PBA PH Cup loss in dominant fashion . June 25, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
- Web site: Bacnis . Justine . September 10, 2021 . Kib Montalbo proving that he belongs in TNT's starting five . June 25, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
- Web site: Terrado . Reuben . September 15, 2021 . Chot not surprised as Montalbo hard work leads to scoring career-high . June 25, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Bacnis . Justine . September 29, 2021 . Top seed TNT ends Ginebra's PBA PH Cup reign . June 25, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
- Web site: Kib Montalbo out for TNT after undergoing meniscal repair . June 25, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Terrado . Reuben . February 7, 2022 . Fuller goes full-time as TNT welcomes Rosario, Montalbo . June 25, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Strained groin keeps Kib Montalbo out of TNT for a while . June 25, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Bacnis . Justine . July 7, 2022 . PBA: Fajardo, Cruz lead San Miguel attack on TNT, seize solo lead . June 25, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
- Web site: Valencia . Justin . July 10, 2022 . PBA: TNT gives Chot, Erram fitting sendoff, romps Ginebra for 8-3 slate . June 25, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
- Web site: Bacnis . Justine . August 24, 2022 . PBA: Manuel powers breakaway vs TNT as San Miguel takes Game 2 . June 25, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
- Web site: Ventura . Sid . September 4, 2022 . San Miguel usher in new era by seeing off TNT to win 2022 Philippine Cup . June 25, 2023 . ESPN.com . en.
- Web site: Ramos . Gerry . November 5, 2022 . Kib Montalbo out for six weeks due to appendectomy . June 25, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Dioquino . Delfin . April 16, 2023 . Montalbo turns into unlikely hero as hot-shooting TNT ties Ginebra in PBA finals . June 25, 2023 . RAPPLER . en-US.
- Web site: Dalupang . Denison Rey A. . April 21, 2023 . TNT ends Ginebra reign, wins 2023 PBA Governors' Cup crown . June 25, 2023 . INQUIRER.net . en.
- News: Ramos . Gerry . Rey Nambatac finally at TNT as revised trade gets PBA approval . July 2, 2024. July 2, 2024. Spin.ph.
- Web site: Kib Montalbo Player Profile, TNT Tropang Giga - RealGM . basketball.realgm.com.
- Web site: Li . Matthew . February 26, 2022 . Having 'chip on his shoulder', Montalbo delivers in Gilas debut . June 25, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
- Web site: June 4, 2022 . Why 4 TNT players made Chot's SEA Games team, and why C-Stan isn't in it . June 25, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: Riego . Norman . June 8, 2022 . Kib Montalbo: With more doubters come more opportunities to prove myself . June 25, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
- Web site: July 9, 2022 . Netizens mock Gilas coach Chot Reyes: Nasaan si Kib Montalbo? . June 25, 2023 . en-US.
- Web site: Terrado . Reuben . January 29, 2013 . Pass-first Kib Montalbo spurs Calma comparisons . June 24, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
- Web site: de Dios . Diego Vergel . May 28, 2020 . Former DLSU backcourt duo discuss their journey to basketball supremacy . June 24, 2023 . The LaSallian . en-US.
- Web site: Li . Matthew . October 27, 2018 . Struggling to find his rhythm, Kib Montalbo makes sure to provide La Salle with goodies, leadership . June 24, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
- Web site: May 22, 2018 . Alarcon not yet cleared by Tay Tung, says coach . June 24, 2023 . SUNSTAR . en.
- Web site: January 25, 2022 . KKDwight, Kiefly, and all real-life basketball-volleyball couples we loved . June 24, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.