By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Kirell Brahndon “Kib” Montalbo looks forward to a new start with the Blackwater Bossing in the upcoming PBA Governors’ Cup commencing on August 18.

The Bacolod City-native guard went to the Bossing, along with Jewel Ponferrada, after being traded by the TNT Tropang Giga recently in exchange for Rey Nambatac.

“New team, same dream. The work never stops,” Montalbo wrote on a social media post.

“Thank you, Lord, for this opportunity to have basketball, the game that I love, as my job. Enjoying every moment,” he added.

During his stay with TNT, the former St. John’s Institute-Bacolod Falcons standout served as a defensive point guard for head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes.

He was part of the franchise’s two PBA titles in the 2021 Philippine Cup and the 2023 Governors’ Cup.

Montalbo’s Tropang Giga career 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 is set to play with Bacolodnon and former Tropang Giga teammate Justin Chua, and fellow Negrenses James Yap and Miggy Corteza./ASC, WDJ