DE LA Salle University Green Archers’ combo-guard Kib Montalbo of Bacolod City received the Pivotal Player Award together with San Beda College’s Davon Potts during the Collegiate Basketball Awards held recently at the Montgomery Place Social Hall in E. Rodriguez Avenue, Quezon City.

Both players were recognized for their excellent performances during last year’s UAAP and NCAA seasons.

Montalbo’s father Roger felt proud of his son’s achievement and award.

“It’s Bacolod’s pride, too. I’m thankful to God for giving him another chance after coming off an injury,” he said.

The young Montalbo suffered an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury in the middle of 2015 DLSU’s game against University of the East for the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup. Montalbo missed that UAAP season.

“Parental guidance is very vital if you believe your child has talent. There's no need to go to big city when they are still young as we can develop kids here in Bacolod,” the father Montalbo said. “It’s just the right timing and God's guidance.”

The elder Montalbo added that his son earned a successful collegiate career by playing defense.

“Basketball isn’t all about offense – sometimes it is defense.” (HGD)