Jamie Malonzo and Chris Newsome have produced highlight plays in the UAAP and PBA. But they reveled in the opportunity to play for Gilas Pilipinas in Window 4 of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
In the Philippines’ 84-46 win over Saudi Arabia on Monday evening, Malonzo contributed two points, two rebounds, one block, and one steal in 11 minutes of action. Meanwhile, Newsome had five rebounds and one assist in 13 minutes of play.
“It feels really good, you know? I’m glad we were able to win today. We’ve been working super hard. To be able to go there and have fun – that’s the plan for the team and it was fun,” said Malonzo, a product of La Salle.
“I had some good looks today that I regret. One could have opened up the game with a lot of noise. Just going back and working on those then come back stronger the next time.”
“It was an amazing experience. We got to play with some of the best players this country has to offer. It was amazing to play with Jordan Clarkson, get to meet him – he’s a super great dude,” seconded Newsome, an Ateneo alum.
“Kai [Sotto] as well. His potential is gonna be amazing. It’s amazing to see Kai develop. Hopefully, we can keep this team together. Hopefully, we can keep building.”
Alongside the likes of Roosevelt Adams and Maverick Ahanmisi, Newsome and Malonzo were deemed locals by FIBA recently.
Newsome was able to clear FIBA’s residency requirements. On the other hand, Malonzo was able to prove that he acquired his passport at an early age.
Now that they got their first taste of representing the country on home soil, the duo hopes to earn more chances to do so, especially with the 2023 FIBA World Cup on the horizon.
“Very excited honestly. You can definitely feel the atmosphere when you’re wearing the blue, the gold, and the red so it’s definitely something to look forward to,” said Malonzo who executed a memorable chase-down block at the 7:13 mark of the first quarter.
“It’s always big. I get lucky when I’m able to play in front of that many people. It means a lot and honestly shoutout to the fans because the atmosphere today was great.”
“Of course, I wanna thank all the coaching staff, especially coach Chot and of course our bosses for putting this team together and making this opportunity possible. Getting my paperwork done to get this experience and this wouldn’t be possible without them,” said Newsome.
“Overall, excited to hopefully make the next window and just keep it going from there. Keep improving every single tournament.”
It is not every day that athletes get a chance to represent their countries in the international arena.
Getting to participate in any world championship is one thing, but to do so on home soil is one of the rarest opportunities.
Malonzo and Newsome are doing everything to make the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime event on Philippine soil and they look forward to what lies ahead.
“For sure, for sure. I think we have our core figured out. Coach Chot says that all the time. I can see definitely we had new faces, so I mean we get to gel… I think we’re gonna be a good team,” said Malonzo, who had three points, a rebound, and an assist against Lebanon last Friday.
“To actually be on this team and to actually have a chance to push for the Olympics, that’s a great thing. It’s something that everybody would wish for,” said Newsome, who got three points and two rebounds against the Cedars.
“It’s every basketball player’s dream, [and] it’s nice to see all the other countries that are competing around this time too. You get to see the highlights online. You get to see the best players in the world in the same tournament.”
