Malonzo lumipat sa B.League

MANILA, Philippines — Nabangasan ng puwersa ang Barangay Ginebra para sa PBA Season 50.

Ito ay matapos pu­mirma si high-flying forward Jamie Malonzo sa Kyoto Hannaryz para sa darating na 2025-26 season ng Japan B.League.

Inihayag ito kahapon ng Hannaryz sa kanilang social media post kasabay ng official statement ng 6-foot-7 Fil-American.

“It’s an honor to join such a passionate team and community in Japan,” sabi ni Malonzo na nakuha ng Gin Kings mula sa NorthPort Batang Pier kapalit nina Arvin Tolentino at Prince Caperal noong 2022.

Umalis din si Tolentino sa Batang Pier para maglaro sa Seoul SK Knights sa Korean Basketball League (KBL).

“His size and skill set will broaden the team’s tactics and contribute to our ability to deal with opposing teams,” ani Kyoto coach Tsotumu Isa kay Malonzo.

Pinasalamatan ng da­ting De La Salle Green Archers star ang Hannaryz sa pagkuha sa kanya sa Japan B.League na nilalaruan din nina Kiefer Ravena at Bobby Ray Parks Jr.

“First, I want to thank the team management for believing in me and giving me this incredible opportunity. Your support means a lot, and I’m eager to contribute to our success this season,” sabi ni Malonzo.

“I’m genuinely excited about what lies ahead, and I can’t wait to hit the court with my teammates, bringing energy and determination to every game. I’m looking forward to building strong connections with all of you, both on and off the court, and helping to elevate the basketball culture in Kyoto,” dagdag pa ng 29-anyos na tubong Seattle, Washington.

Kasama si Malonzo sa Gin Kings na nagkampeon noong 2022-23 PBA Commissioner’s Cup kung saan siya napabilang sa Mythical Team.

Ang No. 2 overall pick ng NorthPort noong 2020 PBA Rookie Draft ay kasama sa official lineup ng Gilas Pilipinas para sa 2025 FIBA Asia Cup sa Jeddah.