TIM Cone admitted being disappointed with high-flying Barangay Ginebra wingman Jamie Malonzo leaving the team to play for Kyoto Hannaryz in the Japan B.League.
But the American mentor said he won’t hinder the former La Salle forward from leaving Ginebra for greener pasture.
“We’re certainly disappointed Jamie wanted to leave Ginebra, but we’re never going to hold back a player who wants to better his situation,” Cone said in a response he sent to The Manila Times on Friday from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where Gilas Pilipinas is preparing for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
Malonzo, who just turned 29 on Thursday when the Kyoto squad welcomed the 6-foot-6 forward through its social media account, averaged 13.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists for Ginebra in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
The Filipino American is now in Jeddah with Gilas Pilipinas and is expected to play a key role as one of Cone’s main men in the national team’s quest for the tournament title contention.
Cone also said Malonzo’s departure means other Ginebra players like Jeremiah Gray, Aljon Mariano and Jason David will get more opportunity to play and fill the void.
“We’ve known for a couple of years that Jamie had interest in playing in Japan, so it was not a big surprise. We wish him well. Now this will give others a chance to step up and fill the void, players like Jeremiah, Aljon, Jason and others,” he added.
