Jamie Malonzo was a nervous wreck after Ginebra San Miguel’s 113-107 triumph over Rain or Shine on Friday evening.
Malonzo had just played like a man on a mission to open the Gin Kings’ PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup campaign, dropping a career-high 32 points to go with eight rebounds, four blocks, three assists, and two steals.
However, after the game, he had to face the music.
This was the 27-year-old winger’s first public appearance since figuring in a melee a day before Gilas Pilipinas’ home game against Chinese-Taipei on February 25.
The video of him getting beat up by an alleged mixed martial artist made the rounds on social media moments after the Philippines’ triumph.
Though there were attempts to cover up the incident, it proved futile.
And it took a toll on Malonzo.
“It’s been tough.
“Going through a lot, fighting through a lot. It has not been easy. It’s difficult to cancel out all the noise and focus on the game. I’m just happy that I was able to do what I did tonight. Move forward,” expressed Malonzo.
According to his agent Anton Brodett of Phenom Sports Clinic, Malonzo hid himself from the world for almost a week since the incident at Bonifacio Global City happened.
No, he was not ashamed of getting beatdown but because of the embarrassment he caused to Ginebra and Gilas.
Still, his brothers-at-arms in Ginebra never left him behind.
“Definitely, it’s been a lot for me. Just credit to my team. They were checking on me. Throughout all that process, they had my back,” shared Malonzo as he tried to fight back tears.
“I have to give credit to my team.”
Despite still having a shiner on his left eye, Malonzo never lost a step on the court.
His trademark athleticism was on full display against the Elasto Painters, swatting away shots, knocking down fadeaways, and still being a two-way menace.
He found peace on the court.
“He found a sanctuary in games and practice. He is back to his comfort zone, which is his teammates, and that is really good,” said Ginebra and Gilas head coach Tim Cone.
“It showed tonight in this game that he can put everything behind and just move forward. We are actually really proud of Jamie and what he did tonight and how he came back to practice. He let the game do the talking.“
Malonzo knows that the ordeal he is going through is still far from over.
But being back to basketball brings him solitude.
“Hard to put into words. I just focus on practice, staying with my team, and go day-by-day.”
