Jamie Malonzo underwent surgery for a calf injury last Friday, May 10.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone could not stress enough how big of a loss Jamie Malonzo is even after the Gin Kings punched the first ticket to the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup semifinals on Saturday, May 11.
Malonzo underwent surgery last Friday, May 10, for a calf injury he sustained in the dying seconds of the Gin Kings' 95-88 win over NorthPort nearly a month ago.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Ginebra holds breath as Jamie Malonzo gets injured late in win vs. NorthPort]
This compounded the woes of the injury-riddled Ginebra, who already had Aljon Marion (ankle) and Jeremiah Grey (knee) on sickbay.
Tim Cone | Photo (c) PBA
Still playing short-handed, the Gin Kings needed Christian Standhardinger, Scottie Thompson and Ralph Cu to step up to finish off rival Magnolia, 99-77, in the quarterfinals at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, May 11.
[WATCH: PBA Game Highlights: Ginebra heads to semifinals after dominating 'Manila Clasico' battle vs. Magnolia]
“We need them to step up because of the loss of Jamie. Don’t underestimate how difficult it is for us to play without Jamie,” said Cone.
The American tactician and the rest of the Gin Kings dedicated their 'Manila Clasico' win to the high-flying winger, who, for now, would have to cheer for his teammates from his couch.
Jamie Malonzo | File photo (c) PBA
[WATCH: PBA Player of the Game Highlights: Christian Standhardinger drops season-high 36 points as Ginebra smothers Magnolia in 'Manila Clasico']
“He just had his surgery yesterday. I'm sure he watched us on TV. I know he’s chopping it to get back in, but it’s going to take a while for him,” Cone said.
[ALSO READ: PBA: Jamie Malonzo sizzles as Ginebra thwarts Rain or Shine for opening game victory]
“Basically, this game is for him. We did it for him.”