JAMIE Malonzo got reacquainted with his former Barangay Ginebra mates on Tuesday during Gilas Pilipinas’ first day of practice for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
The coming FIBA window will see Malonzo playing for Gilas since suiting up for Kyoto in the Japan B.League, a stint that was prematurely cut short when he was released by the ball club.
The Fil-Am wing looks forward to another tour of duty with the national team, as he vies for a place on the lineup after the pool was increased to 18.
“It’s awesome. Obviously, an added height, QMB (Quentin Millora-Brown) is looking good. Juan [Gomez de Liano] is a great addition for our pace, the pace of play we’re trying to play at. He can pass, shoot, do a lot of things for us offensively. I’m excited and motivated of course,” he said.
Malonzo was well-received by the Gin Kings on Tuesday when he showed up for practice at the Blue Eagle Gym.
“They gave me a round of applause when I entered the gym, believe it or not,” he said, referring to his former Ginebra teammates.
“But it’s good to be around Scottie [Thompson]. It’s good to be around with Japeth [Aguilar]. It’s good to be around with RJ [Abarrientos], Troy [Rosario], and of course, coach Tim [Cone] and coach Richard [Del Rosario]. All the guys of course, it’s good to see them.”
After being drafted by NorthPort No. 2 in the 2020 draft, the now-29-year-old was traded to the Gin Kings with whom he saw action from 2022 to 2025.
Ginebra's life without Jamie
Ginebra has been, so far, on-and-off in it first conference without Malonzo, as it entered the FIBA break with a 3-4 win-loss record.
Though he is no longer playing for the team, Malonzo said he still follows Ginebra from time to time, rooting for them and confident that they can eventually find their usual form.
“I’m maybe their number one fan from afar. I’m always cheering for them, always rooting them on. I miss the fans and everybody, but yeah, I’m up to date for sure," he said.
“They are my people,” he added, referring to the Gin Kings' legions of fans.
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