By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Kirell Brahndon “KIb” Montalbo has formally bid farewell to the TNT Tropang Giga after four PBA seasons following the completion of his trade to the Blackwater Bossing recently.

In a social media post, the Bacolod City-native Montalbo expressed gratitude to the Tropang Giga management, coaches and teammates for his “meaningful” stint with the franchise.

“Thank you, TNT Tropang Giga. It’s been a meaningful four and a half years,” Montalbo said.

“Thank you for taking a chance on a kid from Bacolod City who had dreams to reach the PBA,” he said.

“To the management, coaches, teammates, utilities, staff, and fans: Thank you for making my stay worthwhile. And lastly, to my vets for guiding me all throughout, I’m grateful beyond words and will forever cherish the lessons you guys taught me. On to the next!” he added.

Montalbo, a former standout of St. John’s Institute-Bacolod Falcons, was traded to the Bossing, along with center Jewel Ponferrada, in exchange for veteran guard Rey Nambatac.

During his stay with TNT, the six-footer Montalbo served as a defensive point guard for head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes, and was part of the franchise’s two PBA titles in the 2021 Philippine Cup and the 2023 Governors’ Cup.

Montalbo’s career with the Tropang Giga was also highlighted by two call-ups to the Gilas Pilipinas national team, including the silver medal-winning squad in the 2021 Southeast Asian Games.

During his final season with the Tropang Giga, Montalbo averaged 3.9 points, 1.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.1 blocks in almost 18 minutes of action in a total of 23-game appearances.

At the Bossing, the former De La Salle University Green Archers guard will play with Bacolodnon and former Tropang Giga teammate Justin Chua and fellow Negrense James Yap./ASC, WDJ