BARANGAY Ginebra coach Tim Cone did not give any timeline for the eventual return of big man Jamie Malonzo after strong speculation that he would play against San Miguel last Sunday in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
But the wingman appeared in street clothes during the game and Cone told reporters afterwards that he felt his prized Fil-American recruit, though fit and healthy, is not yet basketball ready.
“He’s healthy. He’s ready to go. But he’s not in the proper true game shape yet. He’s not in proper rhythm to play,” said Cone.
Cone said that Malonzo's return will depend on how the player performs in the team's practices in the next two days.
Malonzo was reactivated by the team a few days ago, which meant he was in the lineup and eligible to play against San Miguel. But Cone thought it prudent to wait for a few more days before deciding to field the 6-foot-7 Fil-Am.
Next up for the Gin Kings, which incidentally beat San Miguel last Sunday, 93-81. is NorthPort on Wednesday. If Malonzo plays, the game will have an added irony as it was against the very same team that Malonzo injured his calf in the dying seconds of their April 14 game last year.
The rehab took him all of nine months.
Right now, however, Cone's issue with Malonzo's return has got to do with the player's ryhthm. The coach also hinted that he was unsure on the exact date of the player's return as he and Ginebra's coaching staff continue to assess the player's progress.
“It could be any game. But right now, he is healthy and he is cleared by the trainers. But now, it’s about getting into game shape for him,” Cone said.
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