The Adamson Soaring Falcons have soared to the top four of the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament, and Monty Montebon is a big reason they’ve raised their level.
Montebon was at the forefront of Adamson’s latest win, in fact, going off for 21 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals to lead the Soaring Falcons’ dominant effort against the UST Growling Tigers at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Montebon Understanding His Role Better Now
That Montebon is excelling might be a given. He’s talented to begin with and is already on his fourth year. But, perhaps just as important, the 23‑year‑old guard now has a better understanding of his role at Adamson and what he needs to do to fulfill that role.
“I’m understanding it better now, and buying into the role,” said Montebon. “This being my fourth year under Coach Nash [Racela], my understanding of what he wants, I understand it better. I’m a point guard, and I’m an extension [of the coaches] on the court, so I keep the guys settled.”
Montebon’s understanding of his role as point guard showed most in Adamson’s demolition of UST, where he top‑scored for the Soaring Falcons while also setting the table with his 7 dimes. Prior to Saturday, he was averaging just 11.0 points and 2.5 boards.
The Glue Guy of Adamson
Incidentally, Montebon has found a fan in Racela, who admitted after the UST game that he’s surprised with his senior before praising his point guard’s leadership.
“I’m really surprised with Monty. His leadership is really showing up,” said Racela of Monty Montebon. “Even in the pros, may Filipino group, may Fil‑foreign group. Normally, there’s a Fil‑foreign player who is the glue, like sila Coach Jeff Cariaso, kasi marunong mag‑Tagalog. Monty is doing that right now kahit na hindi marunong mag‑Tagalog… He just needs to continue doing that.”
Adamson will need more of that leadership from Monty Montebon fairly quickly as it next faces the NU Bulldogs, who are coming off a bad loss to the Ateneo Blue Eagles, also on Saturday. The Soaring Falcons and Bulldogs face off on Wednesday, October 7, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
