THE much-awaited return of Jamie Malonzo could happen on Sunday as Barangay Ginebra has activated the versatile wingman at the start of the year.
Malonzo has been activated as Jeremiah Gray was relegated to the injured/reserve list on Friday, two days before the Gin Kings resume their campaign in the PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup with a game against San Miguel.
Now in the active roster, the Fil-Am high-flyer is eligible to play for Ginebra in his first game of the season, nearly nine months after he sustained a calf injury last April in a game against NorthPort.
READ Malonzo responds to claims he’s gone ‘fat’ and out of shape
Ginebra coach Tim Cone earlier bared a January return is being targeted for Malonzo as well as Isaac Go, who has also been grounded with a foot injury.
Malonzo’s injury has also kept him out of Gilas Pilipinas' campaign in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Latvia and the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers at home.
The former La Salle player last played in the 2024 Philippine Cup and averaged 14.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists for the Gin Kings.
On Christmas Day after Barangay Ginebra’s win over Magnolia, Malonzo revealed he has been participating in Barangay Ginebra practices and bulking up, contrary to the perception that he is out of shape.
“Everybody’s calling me fat, but I’ve been bulking up and trying to gain more muscles,” said Malonzo.
The Gin Kings will look to improve on their 4-2 win-loss record when they face San Miguel at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, the first playdate of 2025.
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