In a group stacked with expertise, some gamers are certain to log fewer—and even zero—minutes on the courtroom.
That has been the case for Jamie Malonzo in Gilas Pilipinas’ ongoing stint on the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup because the high-flying ahead has logged three DNPs (didn’t play) in as many video games.
However the B. League-bound star, in response to Gilas coach Tim Cone, is accepting the function because the Filipinos proceed to salvage their marketing campaign.
“All 12 guys are dedicated to one another and Jamie is displaying nice professionalism in dealing with his function,” Cone stated in a message.
“He is been very supportive of his teammates and the targets that we’ve got. His time will come.”
Jamie Malonzo stays the lone Gilas Pilipinas participant but to see motion within the regional match. He was sidelined within the nationwide group’s first two outings—a 95-87 loss to Chinese language Taipei and a 94-86 defeat to New Zealand—that dropped them to 0-2 in Group D.
Even in Gilas’ essential 66-57 victory over Iraq final Saturday, the previous Barangay Ginebra ahead nonetheless by no means acquired off the bench.
Cone likened Malonzo to Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who, regardless of his stellar resume and confirmed expertise, noticed restricted motion throughout Workforce USA’s gold-medal run on the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The multi-titled tactician admitted he feels worse not fielding his longtime and trusted ward.
“As for Jamie, he is our Jayson Tatum,” Cone added.
“It is laborious enjoying all 12 gamers with this a lot expertise on the group, and nobody feels worse about not enjoying him than me.”
Malonzo and the remainder of Gilas Pilipinas will tackle host Saudi Arabia in a knockout recreation on Tuesday at 12 a.m. with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals in opposition to the defending champion Australia.
—JKC, GMA Built-in Information
