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Pint-sized Emman Monfort stands tall in the land of Ginebra giants

Emman Monfort was named the Best Player of the Game as he keyed Ginebra's third quarter run. (Czeasar Dancel/NPPA Images)

Ginebra has one of the most stacked lineups in the PBA. They have stars, superstars, and future legends in their squad. However, during the Manila Clasico match between the Kings and the Purefoods Star Hotshots, it was Emman Monfort’s name that was chanted by the Ginebra faithful.

Monfort used to ride the bench for Ginebra but under head coach Ato Agustin’s system, he was given the chance to start and play heavy minutes in one of the biggest games of the elimination round.

“I was just patient, I was waiting for my opportunity,” Monfort said. “I just work hard sa practice, tapos dadating rin sayo yung chance. Pag hindi ka naglalaro parang test lang sayo yun e.”

Monfort was named the Best Player of the Game as he had nine points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals for the Kings.

Ginebra features a long list of point guards in their team with LA Tenorio, Jayjay Helterbrand, and Josh Urbiztondo. All of these three have won championships in the PBA yet Monfort was able to squeeze through the rotation and help the Kings get a win.

“Di ko naman tinitignan as kaagaw sila. We just help each other,” Monfort said. “We’re a family. We win together, we lose together. This is the Ginebra family.”

Asked what his reaction was to the crowd chanting his name, Monfort said he didn’t know until the game was over.

“Hindi ko naririnig e. Naka-focus ako kung paano ako makakatulong sa team. After the game, doon ko narinig,” he said. “It’s like a dream come true. In fact, I’m still dreaming. Araw-araw yan. I’m still dreaming. Biruin mo naglalaro ako sa PBA. Sa Ginebra pa.”