Montalbo rules virtual shootout; Scottie gives back

Inside the bubble

CLARK, Philippines — TNT Tropang Giga rookie Kib Montalbo emerged champion in the first PBA 3-point Shootout Charity Virtual Tournament.

He scored 238 points in the finals to beat Alaska’s Robbie Herndon (234) and Meralco’s John Nard Pinto (222). He won the P250,000 grand prize that goes to his chosen charity.

A total of 24 squads from 12 teams participated in the online tilt that was launched last August.

Currently nursing a plantar fasciitis injury, Montalbo is expected to be back in two weeks.

The injury didn’t stop him from winning the virtual shootout.

* * *

Ginebra star Scottie Thompson is paying it forward, sharing proceeds of his booming Youtube channel with his fellow aspiring ballers in Davao del Sur.

“That’s my purpose for my channel. I will build charities for homegrown players in the province,” said Thompson of his channel that has 128,000 subscribers – and counting.

It’s his way of giving back.

* * *

Every point matters here in the PBA bubble as the 350-strong delegation pays tribute to the frontliner heroes of the pandemic.

Through the Alagang PBA, the Asia’s oldest professional league will donate P100 to the frontliners for every point made by both teams in the last two minutes of each game.

“Para ito sa ating mga frontliners,” said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.

* * *

Veteran player-turned-coach Jireh Ibañes is the man behind the scene for unbeaten Rain or Shine.

Though part of Caloy Garcia’s coaching staff on an official basis, Ibañes has taken the managerial role for the 2-0 Elasto Painters.

“He’s part of the coaching staff but inside the bubble, he has been given by governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon the responsibility of taking care of the team,” said Garcia.

He’s the guy in charge here.