Tim Cone knew Jamie Malonzo wouldn’t be with Ginebra San Miguel forever.
And on Malonzo’s 29th birthday, the inevitable happened: he made the leap, leaving the PBA to pursue his professional career in Japan with the Kyoto Hannaryz.
“We’ve known for a couple of years that Jamie had interest in playing in Japan, so it was not a big surprise,” said the Ginebra head coach, who is currently in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, coaching Malonzo and Gilas Men for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
“We wish him well.”
Still, the departure stung.
“We’re certainly disappointed Jamie wanted to leave Ginebra,” he added.
Malonzo is part of the new wave of elite Filipino players eager to embrace life abroad.
The 6-foot-7 athletic forward from La Salle is close friends with B.League pioneer Thirdy Ravena, who was the first Filipino player to sign with a team in Japan.
He now joins a growing list of Filipino talents already playing overseas, including Dwight Ramos, Rhenz Abando, SJ Belangel, Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao, and Arvin Tolentino.
After four seasons in the PBA, Malonzo is ready for the next chapter.
“We’re never going to hold back a player who wants to better his situation,” said Cone.
But replacing Malonzo won’t be easy.
He wasn’t just an offensive weapon — he was also Ginebra’s go-to defensive stopper, often tasked with guarding opposing imports during the Commissioner’s Cup.
Now, with Season 50 of the PBA looming, Ginebra faces the challenge of filling that void.
Stephen Holt will be expected to double his production, while Jayson David, Jeremiah Gray, and Aljon Mariano must all elevate their games to help fill the gap.
“Now this will give others a chance to step up and fill the void.”
