MIKE Malonzo recently signed a three-year extension with Rain or Shine, proof of how high the team is on him.
Rain or Shine's No. 16 pick in the Season 49 PBA draft was initially signed to a contract until the end of the ongoing Philippine Cup, yet the team has obviously seen enough to give him a longer contract.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao sees a bright future for the 25-year-old Malonzo from Mexico, Pampanga as the team looks for another player in the mold of Jhonard Clarito, who won last season’s Most Improved Player award.
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Guiao said Malonzo’s fearless attitude on the court is something that cannot be taught.
“May potential ‘yung bata. Kita naman namin sa practice na masipag siya, may physical asset siya, matigas ang katawan niya. For his size, he can play a two and a three. May quickness siya, may shooting siya.”
“Ang naa-ano namin baka we can produce another Clarito or something like that,” said Guiao.
In one coaching clinic in Apalit, Pampanga, Guiao described Malonzo as a 'future star' without batting an eyelash.
The 6-foot-2 Malonzo is now getting extended minutes this conference. Against NorthPort on Wednesday, Malonzo saw action for 19 minutes and 15 seconds, and delivered seven points, six rebounds, and two steals.
In the first game of the Philippine Cup against NLEX, the former National University standout had five points and three rebounds in 19 minutes and 25 seconds of action.
In the Commissioner’s Cup where he first saw action for Rain or Shine after he finished his obligations with the San Juan Knights in the MPBL, Malonzo never played more than 15 minutes.
“He doesn’t back down. Buo ang loob niya. Minsan, dahil buo ang loob niya, nagkakamali siya. Pero correctable ‘yun. Ang mahirap ‘yung mahina loob.”
“Mas maganda na ‘yung malakas ang loob, puwede mong i-correct kesa sa mahina ang loob, hindi mo puwedeng i-coach o palakasin ang loob. Pero ‘yung decisions niya, because he is aggressive, I think those are correctable.
"Two way player siya, offense and defense. I think it’s a good investment in time and resources,” said Guiao.
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