By REYNALD MAGALLON
Jamie Malonzo has left Barangay Ginebra and signed with Kyoto Hannaryz, the Japan B.League team announced on Thursday, July 31.
The stunning move marked the end of the 6-foot-6 forward’s three-year stint with the Kings and displayed the preference of the overseas teams to tap the services of tall and agile Filipino players.
Malonzo was the latest PBA player to make the move to overseas teams after both forwards Arvin Tolentino and William Navarro took their talents in the Korean Basketball League.
While Malonzo’s move came as a shock especially for the Ginebra fans, the move reportedly had the blessing of the Kings management, fully aware of the interest of Japanese teams to tap the services of the high-flying forward.
Though disappointed, Ginebra was supportive of Malonzo’s decision to take his talents elsewhere.
The Kings acquired Malonzo through a trade with NorthPort, sending away Tolentino, Prince Caperal and a first round pick. He won a title with the Kings in the Season 48 Philippine Cup.
Malonzo, who just turned 29 on Thursday, was coming off a long layoff due to a calf tear and while he had returned to Ginebra lineup, he hadn’t played the usual explosive form he had prior to the injury.
With the move, Malonzo is joining Gilas teammates Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu and Kai Sotto in Japan as well as other former PBA players in the likes of Kiefer Ravena and Ray Parks Jr., Matthew Wright and Roosevelt Adams.
