While on break, Montalbo takes on heavier class load

With his rookie season in the PBA stalled by the coronavirus pandemic, TNT KaTropa guard Kib Montalbo is maximizing his time, focusing on his academics.

Montalbo, who won UAAP titles with the Green Archers in 2013 and 2016, put his studies on hold last year as he put in more hours on improving his game in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League and in the PBA D-League.

He suited up for North division powerhouse Makati Super Crunch until December last year. The Bacolod-born guard also played for Marinerong Pilipino in preparation for the PBA Draft where he was selected as the 11th pick by TNT.

Montalbo said he decided to take a heavier load of 15 units through online classes as he closes in on a degree in business management.

“I think it’s a good time to take up a heavier load with my subjects since we take it online and we have yet to resume the PBA season,” said Montalbo, who lacks 40 units to complete his course.

Montalbo, a two-time UAAP champion, initially took sports management, before shifting to business management in his third year.

“If the PBA season went on as planned, I would have taken fewer subjects,” said Montalbo, who signed an 18-month deal with the KaTropa just before the season.

“But because the season is still on hold, I saw it as a great opportunity for me to take on more subjects so I could get my degree faster. When the season resumes, I just have to learn how to balance my time, which is something I have already experienced when I was still playing in the UAAP.” INQ