Jamie Malonzo 'eligible' for Ginebra return, says Cone

Jamie Malonzo could be set for his much-awaited return after getting the green light to suit up for Barangay Ginebra in their ongoing PBA Commissioner's Cup campaign. 

Ginebra and Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone revealed the development, saying the high-flying forward is already eligible to play again, nearly a year after suffering a calf injury in April 2024.

Cone, however, stressed fielding Malonzo remains a game-time decision. 

"He is eligible to return, but the decision for him to actually play will be a game-time decision," Cone told GMA News Online in a message on Saturday. 

Malonzo's return is a welcome sight for the Gin Kings, especially in their upcoming showdown with San Miguel on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum as they aim to improve their 4-2 record. 

It was a tough run for Malonzo in 2024 after he suffered injuries including the one that sidelined him during their clash against Chinese Taipei last February in the first window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers. 

Before that, Malonzo also had an injury scare in January 2024, but the former La Salle standout avoided an ACL injury that enabled him to still play for Ginebra. 

However, an incident late in their 95-88 win against NorthPort in the 2024 Philippine Cup saw him suffering a major calf injury that had sidelined him until now.

He also missed a number of Gilas Pilipinas' games, including the last three games in the Asa Cup qualifiers as well as the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Latvia last July. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News