MANILA – Bacolodnon Kib Montalbo said he feels blessed and honored to be included in the 15-man Gilas Pilipinas competing in the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers beginning today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The TNT Tropang Giga guard admitted he never imagined he would be considered to the national men’s basketball team but is thankful to the opportunity given by head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes.
“It’s an honor to represent the country. It’s been my dream to be a part of Gilas Pilipinas ever since,” the former St. John’s Institute-Bacolod standout said in an interview.
He added: “Considered ko nga ito na first time (to play for the Philippine team) kasi I was never a contender to make it to the national team, even nung nasa Bacolod pa ako,” he added.
Montalbo is the third Western Visayas-based player to be part of Reyes’ Gilas Pilipinas pool aside from Ilonggo Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena III and Antiqueño center Tzaddy Rangel.
“It’s not even clear in my memory getting invited to the Philippine team. Now it’s different. I got to earn the coach’s trust first. Let’s see in the next games and we will see,” Montalbo said.
Kib’s father Roger Montalbo, for his part, said he is proud of the latest achievement of his son to follow up to the former’s first-ever PBA championship and recent graduation from De La Salle University.
“Of course, as Kib’s father, I am happy and proud of him na he is included sa Gilas Pilipinas. Glory to God,” Roger told Panay News in an interview on Wednesday.
“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.
The national men’s basketball team has two matches in the first window against India on Feb. 25 and New Zealand on Feb. 27./PN
