TNT guard Kib Montalbo. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—TNT rookie Mikey Williams couldn’t help but marvel at Kib Montalbo’s efforts for the league-leading TNT so far in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup.
Described as usually an energy guy, Montalbo showed his offensive chops in TNT’s 102-92 win over NorthPort Wednesday.
The 2019 11th overall pick poured in 22 points on an efficient 8-of-13 shooting from the field as the Tropang Giga’s secondary behind Williams who had 29 points.
“Kib’s a dog, just a dog,” said Williams of Montalbo.
“He’s giving us that little energy spark we need day in and day out. Picking up 94 feet and picking up the best challenges that we have. He’s holding his own, he’s doing really well, and I applaud him.”
Williams and Montalbo’s combined offensive game led the Tropang Giga to their third straight win and a league-best 9-1 record as they secured a twice-to-beat advantage come the quarterfinals.
The offensive outburst was also Montalbo’s career-high as he only averaged 7.5 points a game the whole conference and 1.33 points the previous Philippine Cup.
“He’s gonna continue to get better,” said Wiliams of Montalbo. “We’re all pushing each other, we’re all finding ways to get it done, and we have a great leader in coach Chot [Reyes] leading the way.”