Che Garcia and Jean Montero: Dominican's father-son like combo

MANILA (Philippines) - Jean Montero and Nestor 'Che' Garcia have a special relationship - one that both consider like a father and son and one that has Dominican Republic believing they can reach the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 knockout stages.

The odd couple’s relationship began to intensify in the build-up to the 2019 World Cup. Montero had already been considered one of the Caribbean country’s next superstars, helping Dominican Republic qualify for the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2020 - which was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

When Montero was just 16 years old, Garcia invited the guard to the senior national team's training camp for the 2019 World Cup and the youngster even made the trip to Asia with the team.

"I was enjoying the moment for the moment. I knew it was just to gain experience and see how the world of professionalism works," Montero recalled. "For me it was just that."

Montero did not make the team but he went through the entire training camp, travelled to China and stayed in Shenzhen for the country’s first two games.

 

Fast forward four years and Garcia had almost no option but bringing Montero to Manila for Group A action. The now 20-year-old averaged 12.2 points, 1.3 assists and 1.8 steals in 6 games in the Americas Qualifers.

That included scoring 9 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter of the Dominicans' historic win over Argentina after rallying from 17 points down to qualify for the World Cup - and keep the 2019 runners-up out of the flagship event.

Jean Montero and Coach Garcia (in background) celebrate qualifying for the World Cup

Garcia adores the guard.

"I love him. He's like my son. He has so much talent. He is not scared of anybody. He has grown his game. He is very mature. I think his future is unbelievable. He's very important for us because he creates. He's very smart. He's quick. And a very good player," said the 58-year-old coach.

Montero sees the relationship with Coach Che similarly.

"For me, he is like a father. He was the one who took me to China in 2019. And now here. He was always calling me and making jokes. He is more like a father to me," said Montero, who spent last season playing with Spanish side Coosur Real Betis.

Montero may be young, but just like Garcia said, he is not afraid of the moment, and he has been leading the charges for Dominicans. He has collected 9.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 2.0 steals through the Dominicans' two games.

 

Karl-Anthony Towns sang the praises of the guard talent.

"He's a hell of a player. I am very, very happy that I get to call him my teammate," said the NBA power forward.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Jean Montero (left)

Lester Quinones also said he is impressed with Montero.

"Jean is just a great playmaker. He’s a great scorer. I feel he is underrated with his scoring. A lot of people don’t look at him as a scorer. But he’s gifted," said Quinones, who played the Golden State Warriors. "I watch him at practice every day. I am shooting from half court, shooting from deep and he’s right there with me. There is a lot of talent that he has and people don't see. I am excited when he finally breaks out of his shell and just shocks the world."

Montero himself is patient and focuses on the here and now.

"I just live in the moment. I am here to work and represent the country. That's the most important thing. How people see me in five years, it doesn’t matter. I gotta enjoy it day by day. And put the work in," he said.

And with the help of the father-like figure Che Garcia, Jean Montero could lead Dominican Republic to greatness.

FIBA