AFTER Jeddah, Jamie Malonzo is taking his act to Japan.
The 29-year-old high-flyer celebrated his birthday on Wednesday by signing with the Japan B.League team Kyoto Hannaryz for the 2025-26 season, a development shared by the team on Wednesday.
"It's an honor to join such a passionate team and community in Japan," he said in a statement released by the team.
It's a stunning move for the Gilas Pilipinas forward who spent the past three seasons with Barangay Ginebra, which acquired the Fil-Am winger from NorthPort in a September 2022 trade that also involved Arvin Tolentino and Prince Caperal.
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"First, I want to thank the team management for believing in me and giving me this incredible opportunity. Your support means a lot, and I'm eager to contribute to our success this season. I'm genuinely excited about what lies ahead, and I can't wait to hit the court with my teammates, bringing energy and determination to every game. I'm looking forward to building strong connections with all of you, both on and off the court, and helping to elevate the basketball culture in Kyoto."
The second overall pick in the 2020 PBA Rookie Draft averaged 11.4 points on 40-percent shooting this past season, to go with 5.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists as the Gin Kings finished runner-up in both import-laden conferences.
Now, the former La Salle stud will try to bring his versatility to Kyoto which went 33-27 last season. Another former PBA star, Matthew Wright, once served as the Asian Quota import of the Japan Division 1 side.
"His size and skill set will broaden the team's tactics and contribute to our ability to deal with opposing teams. On defense, he will be able to make use of his long reach and agility to steal and block shots, and his high athleticism will generate offensive power, especially from outside 3-pointers," said Hannaryz coach Tsotumu Isa.
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