MANILA, Philippines – There is a possibility that the De La Salle Green Archers may enter the UAAP opening game against FEU with only 10 “healthy” men in the lineup on Sunday, September 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

Coach Aldin Ayo said in the UAAP press conference held on Monday, September 4 that stalwart Ben Mbala will definitely be missing action early in the season, while Kib Montalbo was recently confined in the hospital. He also added that rookies Josh Gonzalez and Ramil Terro have recently just joined training once again. 

The Green Archers will have to do without UAAP Season 79 Most Valuable Player Ben Mbala in the first two games. Mbala, who has been dominant in establishing inside presence for the team, is currently representing Cameroon in the 2017 FIBA Afrobasket tournament.

The Green Archers could also be without co-captain Kib Montalbo, who had been confined in the hospital, but there has been no update on what his condition may be. Mbala sent out a tweet early in the morning of Monday, September 4, to wish Montalbo a speedy recovery. 

Get well soon brother @kibmontalbo . I am praying for your speedy recovery  #manofsteal

— thekidfromCameroon (@benmbala) September 3, 2017

According to co-captain Prince Rivero, Montalbo has expressed his eagerness to play in the first game, but the decision will be made depending on his medical diagnosis. 

“As per Kib, he wants to play daw sa first game, but if we’re going to think long term, most likely hindi siya papayagan. Pero if kaya naman talaga niya or if makakahabol siya sa first game, then why not,” said Rivero. 

(As per Kib, he wants to play in the first game, but if we’re going to think long term, most likely he will not be allowed. But if he can really do it or if he can catch up for the first game, then why not.)

Despite the added pressure by the hyped up DLSU-FEU opening game due to their preseason scuffle in Davao, the older Rivero said that the team will just have to adjust to the circumstances and continue to prepare well for the UAAP. 

“Like what all teams do, we prepared for it although there are mga things like what happened to Kib that are out of control, so we just have to prepare and adjust to whatever circumstances given to us and still be able to play the way we want to play,” said Rivero. 

In the event that Montalbo will also be sitting out in the game, Rivero will be stepping up to lead the team, especially in terms of establishing vocal presence on the court. The co-captain believes that the rookies also get a chance to lead the team in order to pull through the opening game. 

“I’m one of the leaders sa team namin, so I’ll help my team in any way possible. For example, just being vocal or try to help my rookies step up also. Hindi naman ibig sabihin na ikaw yung senior na ikaw lang yung magiging leader. Yung rookies, pwede rin sila magiging leader.” 

(I’m one of the leaders in our team, so I’ll help my team in any way possible. For example, just being vocal or try to help my rookies step up also. It does not mean that you’re the senior, that you are the only one who becomes the leader. The rookies, they can be a leader also.) – Rappler.com