Kib Montalbo may have been planted deep into the TNT bench in the past few games but he proved he’s always ready to answer when his number is called upon.

Kib Montalbo drives to the basket as they seal the Game 4 of the PBA Finals Governors' Cup. (PBA Images)

That was exactly the case in Game 4 as he stepped up in the absence of RR Pogoy and provided a spark for the Tropang Giga in their 116-104 victory over the Barangay Ginebra Kings in the best-of-seven PBA Governors’ Cup Finals

Montalbo finished with season-high and playoffs career-high 16 points and was one of the TNT players who set the tone for the Tropang Giga’s record-breaking shooting after nailing two triples in the first quarter. 

The former De La Salle University standout said he has been putting in the work to stay ready in the times when he is needed to step up and deliver.

“‘Yung mindset ko naman coming into this game is to stay ready kasi alam ko naman na si Roger wala and coach plays me at starting position. I was actually here before sa Finals at the starting position,” said Montalbo.

“Since di naman nakakalaro I still put in the work to stay ready kasi you’ll never know things like that happen sa Finals. I just stayed ready and I want to help the team,” he added.

Montalbo took the starting position from Pogoy who was already ruled out for the rest of the series due to a fracture on his pinky finger. He delivered one of his finest shooting performances with four triples – none bigger than the half court heave he nailed to end the first half.

The TNT backup guard also added that he has always been confident with what he can provide to the team and that never wavered even with his limited minutes, playing behind the likes of Jayson Castro and Mikey Williams.

“(Confidence) remains the same. Staying ready kung ilang minutes yung ibibigay ni coach sa akin. I provide defense and energy sa court. Ganun pa rin stay calm and do my job.” (KEVIN HONRADE, OJT)