SJI ace Montalbo to join La Salle in UAAP

WHILE THE collegiate basketball scene await with baited breath the decision of the country’s consensus top high school player Cebuano Jerie Marlon Pingoy, another Visayan standout has apparently made his.

According to a report that was posted on the Visayan Daily Star, after a long courting period that also involved the Ateneo Blue Eagles, much-coveted guard from St. John’s Institute (SJI) of Bacolod City Kib Montalbo has committed to joining the latter’s arch-rivals La Salle Green Archers in the UAAP.

Montalbo is no stranger to Cebuano teams as he has tangled with them on a regular basis, especially against the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles, which has beaten SJI several times in the Milo BEST Tournament and in National Basketball Training Center.

Montalbo made a name for himself in Bacolod City, where he led the Junior Falcons to the title in the 2012 season of the NOPSSCEA juniors division. In addition, he also represented the country as part of the Jr. NBA national team in 2010.

The youngster is expected to join a crowded backcourt that already has starting guard, LA Revilla and back-ups, Almond Vosotros, Thomas Torres and Cebuano prodigy and former Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) juniors MVP Mark Jayven Tallo. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio