Adamson University’s Matthew Montebon against University of Santo Tomas in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — Matthew Montebon was key as Adamson University found its way back to the win column in UAAP Season 89, but for head coach Nash Racela, the veteran guard’s presence has also been just as solid off the floor.
“I’m really surprised with Monty. His leadership is really showing up,” said Racela of Montebon, who scattered 21 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals in their 85-57 drubbing of University of Santo Tomas on Saturday.
Already expected to lead on the hardwood, Racela also credits Montebon for being Adamson’s glue guy, saying that this role is comparable to the role that Alaska Milk legend and former Coca-Cola star Jeff Cariaso had during his playing years.
“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,” said Racela, who was an assistant coach of Cariaso with Coca-Cola in 2003.
“Monty is doing that right now kahit na hindi marunong mag-Tagalog. So he just needs to continue doing that,” added Racela.
For the 6-foot, 23-year-old guard, his improvement as a leader is just a matter of becoming more comfortable with his role on the team.
“I’m understanding it better now, and buying into the role,” said Montebon. “This being my fourth year under Coach Nash, my understanding of what he wants, I understand it better.”
And as Adamson continues to course through the season by taking down one contender after another, Montebon acknowledges that whether it is through his scoring or his leadership, his role will always be crucial to their cause.
“I’m a point guard, and I’m an extension [of the coaches] on the court, so I keep the guys settled,” he said.
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