TIM Cone let out a naughty smile when asked about one particular matter concerning Jamie Malonzo.
With the high-flying forward now a free agent after a short, uneventful stint with Kyoto Hannaryz in the Japan B.League, is there any chance of Malonzo coming back and reuniting with the Gin Kings?
"That, you have to ask the PBA about," Cone replied to SPIN.ph's question.
Lest it be forgotten, the league just approved a PBA Board resolution starting Season 50 banning all players, including rookies, who opted to take their acts overseas or elsewhere despite receiving contract offers from their mother teams.
The sanction runs for three years, and the Office of the Commissioner previously confirmed Malonzo is covered by the ban.
The 29-year-old La Salle product didn't renew with Ginebra in a stunning move in the offseason and instead, accepted an offer to play in Japan.
Unfortunately, his stint with Kyoto lasted only for five games before both parties agreed to part ways, making him a free agent.
And though he can't still return to the PBA, his rights remain with the Gin Kings with whom he won a championship in the 2023 Commissioner's Cup.
For now, Gilas it is
But Cone is left impressed with how Malonzo conducted himself in Gilas Pilipinas practices, as they gear up for the coming first window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
"I like the way he's really playing right now. He looks really motivated. He's motivated to prove himself. He's out here hitting shots, dunking in practice, and he looks really healthy. So we'll see how that goes on," said the Ginebra coach of Malonzo.
READ: Jamie Malonzo reconnects with Ginebra roots in Gilas practice
Cone added Malonzo is always welcome in the national team, with the former stressing the latter has always been part of the original pool.
"Whether he's playing for me, playing for Ginebra, or playing in Japan or anywhere else, thas nothing do with being (in) Gilas. Absolutely nothing. We're happy to have him. He really adds depth to what we are doing," he said.
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