MANILA – Bacolodnon Kib Montalbo got a call up to play for Gilas Pilipinas as the latter defends its men’s basketball medal in the 31st Southeast Asian Games from May 12 to 23 in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The TNT Tropang Giga defensive guard was among the 12 players named by national men’s basketball team head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes on Thursday for the biennial games.
This marks the second time for the former De La Salle University Green Archers cager to play for Gilas after suiting up during the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers last year.
“It’s always an honor to represent the country. It’s been my dream to be a part of Gilas Pilipinas,” the former St. John’s Institute-Bacolod standout said in an interview.
Kib’s father Roger Montalbo, for his part, said he is proud of the latest achievement of his son after winning his first-ever PBA championship with Tropang Giga last year.
“Of course, as Kib’s father I am happy and proud of him na he will be representing the country sa SEA Games. Glory to God,” Roger told Panay News on Thursday.
“I know that pinaghirapan niya ito, na makalaro para sa country, so he deserves that spot. I am looking forward to see him play para sa Gilas Pilipinas,” he added.
Aside from Montalbo, two other Western Visayas-based players in Ilonggo brothers Kiefer Isaac and Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena III were named for the SEA Games-bound Gilas team.
For Kiefer, this will be his sixth consecutive time to join the national team in the said festivity. The Shiga Lakestars guard has five SEA Games gold tucked under his belt.
Thirdy, on the other hand, is also a valuable addition to the Philippine team following his strong showing for the Gilas Pilipinas during the 2023 FIBA World Cup window last year.
Completing the Gilas lineup are June Mar Fajardo, Moala Tautuaa, George Isaac Go, Jeth Troy Rosario, Francis Lopez, Matthew Wright, Roger Pogoy, William Navarro, and Kevin Alas./PN
