On the shoulder of giants

Emman Monfort stands tall
(Photo courtesy of PBA InterAKTV)

In a decade long war,  an army already on the losing end lies in wait. Grizzled veterans, keeping an eye out on any semblance or opportunity for greatness. Underlings, green and raw, bold and battle crazy looking to make a name for themselves.

One of them watches the trenches, waiting for daylight. One of them breathes in the thick and heavy air of dawn, unshaken, unnerved. His name is Emman Monfort, he of the Barako Bull Energy Cola, drafted and almost forgotten because of his diminutive 5"7 frame and limited skill set. He was over-looked because at the time, he deserved to be. He was picked 16th overall in the 2012 PBA Draft because there were more established collegiate names before him. All that was really going for him was his Ateneo de Manila University pedigree, the winning tradition, the championships.


Like a good soldier, he waited for his time as Barako Bull head coach Rajko Toroman Bong Ramos took to his veterans. The trigger happy Josh Urbiztondo who was later "reassigned" to Barangay Ginebra. The shoot-first, second and last Celino Cruz. The inconsistent Jonas Villanueva. They were already "made" in the professional ranks, they were respected. They were cheered (or jeered). Monfort, like a true soldier-in-wait, learned what he had to by watching every battle on the sidelines.

Once the "generals" started falling down one by one, trumped by injuries or PBA politics, Monfort's case started to gain ground. He understood what his coaches were looking for from a point guard. He had a first-hand look at how the game should be played, or at the very least, is expected to be played by such a great mind as Toroman's Ramos'.

Set first, pass second, shoot later.

In the ongoing PBA Governor's Cup, Monfort has managed to average 15 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists while playing almost 36 minutes. These are numbers not expected from Monfort. He was drafted to be a backup. A third string point guard even. Hell, if his peer, Jai Reyes, who was a more established scorer and offensive weapon in college was sent to the ASEAN Basketball League, what more a guy who wasn't realistically in the discussion of "Best UAAP point guards" during his tenure?

Being small means you have to work harder than the next guy. Being 5"7 in a league now ruled by high-flying 6"4 jet fighters coming from all angles means you have to be ready to compete every single minute. Monfort was put to the test by Meralco's Chris Ross early. He had his faults, but he had his moments. Against the taller Ross, Monfort faced an uphill climb all night.

Ross didn't take Monfort lightly, daresay there was an obvious amount of "respect" among the two.

"You want to play in the PBA? Then earn it."

We're used to seeing bigs not go as hard versus smalls, because it's bullying. Because it's taking advantage. Because it's unfair.

But what is the use of playing the game of basketball if you're not going to go hard at your opponent?

Here's a soldier sent to war with a knife going up against a guy who was left empty-handed. Should the other one drop his knife and go mano-a-mano like the "moral code" dictates? No. All's fair in love and war.

This is war.

And Monfort knew it.

If he were to continue as Barako Bull's lead point guard, Monfort knew that he had to beat Ross and lead his team. It took a lot off him, but he pulled through to finish with 22 points to go with 7 rebounds. Just like he did in the first game versus Talk 'n' Text wherein he drew 8 points and 9 assists.

From this day onwards Monfort knows that there will be more guys like Ross to come. That they will come for him. For his black and blue team that has already been written off even before the start of the tournament no thanks to questionable offseason transactions.

The veterans are stirring. The underlings are gathering.

They sense a revolution.

They, just like us, want to see the rise of Monfort. Standing tall on the shoulder of giants.