La Salle's Montalbo 'hungry' to win back-to-back UAAP titles

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 31) — With more than a month to go before the 80th season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers point guard Kib Montalbo is looking forward to defend their title.

The Green Archers were crowned as the men's seniors basketball champions following a sweep of their archrivals Ateneo Blue Eagles last December.

"I'm excited. I'm hungry to win back-to-back titles," Montalbo said in an interview on CNN Philippines' Sports Desk Monday evening.

Asked if their squad is ready for the much anticipated collegiate tournament, the Bacolod-native bared that they are still in the process of improving as a team.

"We're getting there. Hopefully when the UAAP comes, we'll peak," he said.

Coming off an injury, Montalbo is optimistic that he will be fully recovered once the season begins.

"I'm not yet 100%, but by the UAAP season I'll be 100% healthy," he said.

As one of the veterans, Montalbo is aware of the tough road ahead with the competition getting better and better.

"For sure everybody is eyeing on us, to pull us down because we're on top," he said. "We believe in the system of coach Aldin Ayo, that's all we need."

La Salle will start its title-retention quest on September 10 against the Far Eastern Tamaraws at the Mall of Asia Arena.