HoopWatch

Coach Norman Black, what is Eman Monfort doing on the court? Why d’ya like him so much? He is not a reliable dribbeler, he is short so that makes him a defensive liability, and he is not a consistent shooter. Why choose him to be in there in crucial minutes, even start him, over Eric Salamat?

In that game against La Salle, Ateneo had the game in their hands a little less than two minutes remaining. Naturally, Jai Reyes had to rest, he was just so tired for giving the Blue Eagles a seven-point lead. Reyes had 19 points in that game, and had some crucial floaters that rocked the confidence of the Green Archers. Then came in Monfort, the diminutive 5-5 guard, who had to guard a much better, experience, bigger and taller JV Casio.

Casio literally lifted the Archers back, and out of its grave, as he scored seven unanswered against Monfort. Monfort was no match, even in speed! When Reyes re-entered, and Kirk Long, a 6-3 wingman, being tasked as the Casio’s shadow, it was too late. There was no stopping JV. He gained confidence and momentum when Monfort was guarding him. When he saw Eman, his eyes lit up. I read his mind, he was saying, “This guy! Oh please! I’ll just eat him alive. Thank you for the gift.”

Because of Casio’s impressive shooting, La Salle even gained back the lead, 67-65. Luckily for Ateneo, Ford Arao scored the tying basket through an undergoal stab with 13 seconds remaining. So Norman, why choose Monfort?