On his 29th birthday, Jamie Malonzo made a major career move.
After three years with Barangay Ginebra, the versatile 6-foot-7 forward is taking his talents to Japan, signing with B.League club Kyoto Hannaryz.
The team officially announced the signing on Thursday.
The Hannaryz, who play in the B.League West, finished last season with a 33-27 record.
Malonzo was selected second overall by NorthPort in the 2021 PBA Rookie Draft.
A year later, on September 20, 2022, he was traded to Ginebra in a multi-player deal that involved Arvin Tolentino, Prince Caperal, and a second-round pick in that year’s draft.
During his stint with the Gin Kings, Malonzo captured one championship — the 2022–23 Commissioner’s Cup — and earned a spot on the Mythical Team for that same season.
(C) PBA Images
However, his momentum was disrupted by a calf injury early last year, sidelining him for an extended period. Upon his return, he wasn’t quite the same explosive presence.
He averaged 11.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists across 37 games in the 2023–24 season.
Now, Malonzo is ready for a fresh start.
He is currently part of the Gilas Pilipinas Men’s pool for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers.
After this campaign, it will be a while before he reunites with national team head coach Tim Cone, likely not until the November window.
