BANGKOK – Regardless of the iteration, Jamie Malonzo will always be available to play for flag and country for Gilas Pilipinas.
Making himself available for the Southeast Asian games couldn't have been any more worth it for Malonzo after winning gold despite the problems in the formation of the team.
Malonzo is the only Gilas member from the main team coached by Tim Cone to take part in the SEA Games. With him without any ballclub associated with, Malonzo was available to join the biennial competition even though it was outside the FIBA window.
READ: Malonzo comes up big as Gilas denies Thailand, retains SEAG gold
He never had second thoughts when asked to play.
“It was a journey for sure, just figuring out who was going to be a part of the team was a journey in itself,” said Malonzo.
“I think I had to go behind my agent’s back to confirm and be a part of this. It’s been a journey and I'm happy I made the decision to play. It’s been all worth it so far.”
Malonzo put up crucial baskets in the 70-64 win over Thailand in the gold medal match on his way to finishing with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
The SEA Games competition could boost the stock of Malonzo after he was released by Kyoto midway into the Japan B.League season. However, he won’t be able to play in the PBA due to a three-year ban imposed on players who elect to play overseas instead of the local league.
But Malonzo isn’t thinking about that.
“I’m just so happy we were able to get this done. No matter where I am or what team I’m playing for, if I’m representing the country, I’m going to play as hard as I can for the country and the flag,” said Malonzo.
“Obviously, bringing this back and defending what my teammates previously have done means a lot and it's very special, for sure. No matter what, I’, happy to be a part of whatever team I’m on and this is just an amazing feeling, so I’ll never say no to the country,” he said.
Held scoreless in the first half, Malonzo dug deep in order to help Gilas Pilipinas to victory including a seven-point effort during a critical 12-0 run in the fourth quarter to grab the lead for good.
“Just being aggressive. All of my teammates believed in me," Malonzo said.
"I think I had zero points at halftime, so just to be able to bounce back from that and find a way, keep scratching to bring back this piece of gold and defend what the Philippines team did a few years back, that’s special. Just finding a way to fight and win is really what the Philippines is all about."
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