MANILA, Philippines – Kib Montalbo will forever be grateful to La Salle.
As his collegiate career ended with a tough loss to FEU, the Bacolod native said his dreams were fulfilled and thanked the Green Archers management for giving him that opportunity.
“I’m just a boy who dreamt of playing with drums. Back in Bacolod, gusto ko pumunta sa Manila para maglaro kasi may drums dito. Sa Bacolod wala e, walang crowd,” said Montablo after their heartbreaking 70-71 loss to the Tamaraws that eliminated them in the Final Four round.
“I did not expect to be the captain of La Salle and to lead the team. I never expected that, in my wildest dream. I’m grateful to the university, to the coaches, to the bosses and managers. Wala na ako masabi,” he added.
It was a roller-coaster season for Montalbo, who missed some games this season due to thumb injury but played through pain to be with his teammates.
La Salle was one basket away of extending its season but Leonard Santillan’s undergoal stab missed the mark as time expired.
“Breaks of the game. We were down, we were up. Either team could probably win that game. Ganoon ang basketball. You win some, you lose some. We’ll learn from it. Masakit,” said Montalbo.
Montalbo will leave La Salle with two UAAP titles but he’ll still be finishing his Management course where he has 40 units left.
For now, the immediate plan for Montalbo is to apply for the PBA D-League draft next month.
“Playing for La Salle is a blessing and also a privilege. Makapasok lang sa La Salle mahirap na. It’s really hard to be in this position,” said Montalbo.