Jamie Malonzo Returns to Barangay Ginebra After Year-Long Absence
Jamie Malonzo is set to make his highly anticipated comeback for Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup game against defending champions San Miguel on Sunday. The 28-year-old power forward was reactivated on Friday, replacing guard Jeremiah Gray on the active roster.
Malonzo last played for the Kings on April 14, a year ago, leading them to a 95-88 victory over NorthPort in the Season 48 Philippine Cup. Unfortunately, he suffered a calf injury in the final moments of the game and has been sidelined since.
The Fil-Am player from De La Salle underwent surgery during the off-season, causing him to miss the season-opener Governors’ Cup and Gilas Pilipinas’ campaigns in the FIBA Olympic qualifier and the second window of the Asia Cup qualifying meet. He has been undergoing therapy and rehab but started practicing with Barangay Ginebra at the beginning of the second conference. Coach Tim Cone had projected a January return for the former No. 2 overall pick.
However, Malonzo’s reactivation does not guarantee he will play in Ginebra’s 7:30 p.m. match against San Miguel at the Smart Araneta Coliseum when the league resumes after the holiday break. “He’s a game-time decision,” according to Cone.
Malonzo’s return is a timely boost for the Kings, who are currently on a two-game winning streak before a 10-day break. Ginebra is in fifth place with a 4-2 record, coming off an inspiring 95-92 win over rivals Magnolia on Christmas Day, where they overcame a 22-point deficit and secured victory with a Scottie Thompson game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer.
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