Should the high-flying forward be a shoo-in?
If there was one Gilas Pilipinas player who fully endeared himself to Filipinos after the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, it’s Jamie Malonzo.
The gravity-defying forward showed he can operate on both ends of the floor, while also providing the jaw-dropping plays he has been known for since his one-and-done stint with the De La Salle Green Archers.
While Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes categorically said there are no shoo-ins in the lineup for the FIBA World Cup in August, the 26-year-old Malonzo may have a foot in the door with his stellar two-way play recently. His versatility, athleticism, and motor could be assets against the top teams around the globe—and he’s excited about that possibility.
“I would love to play against the best talents around the world. I would love a challenge. Maybe get to play against some NBA guys on different teams,” said Malonzo.
He played sparingly in his first four games for the national team but was a rousing revelation in the final window of the qualifiers, averaging 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals.
Gilas Pilipinas won’t know its three opponents in the group stage until the draw on April 29. So, for now, it would be hard to predict who Malonzo might go up against. But when asked to pick particularly, the rim-rattling stud briefly hesitated, gave Reyes a sheepish glance, and then graciously answered.
“Any three (teams). Probably some of the better teams in Asia, for sure,” said Malonzo. “Maybe teams like New Zealand, Australia, there’s tons of NBA guys around the world, maybe a Japan team.”