Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s high-flying forward was the favorite to win the league’s slam dunk showcase.
PBA fans wanted to see Jamie Malonzo join the dunk contest in this year’s PBA All-Star Weekend. But their hopes got squashed when the 26-year-old wing decided to back out. The festivities’ Day 2 banner event is scheduled for Friday, March 10.
Of course, many were disappointed when Malonzo changed his mind. That said, the very same people who got upset were quick to realize why pulling out of the competition made sense.
Here’s Barangay Ginebra San Miguel fan Patricia Cleo, displaying her roller coaster of emotions on Twitter.
She went from being sad to being fine with it in a jiffy.
Perhaps Malonzo really is taking extra precaution since the PBA Governors’ Cup playoffs is almost here. Against the Terrafirma Dyip on Wednesday, however, no extra precautions were taken when he threw down a couple of thunderous two-handers. Maybe it’s Jamie’s way of making it up to those who were looking forward to his dunk contest debut.
See Malonzo opening up and finishing Ginebra’s 109-104 win over Terrafirma with a flush.
Peep Terrafirma forward Eric Camson pleading for a travel call with the referees. Oh, maybe he saw Jamie take a few extra steps in the air.
Malonzo will not win the slam dunk trophy this year. But a formidable cast of rim-rattlers remain with Tyrus Hill of the Blackwater Bossing, David Murrell of the Converge FiberXers, NLEX Road Warrior Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, and Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Master Chris Lalata vying for the crown.