In a team filled with talent, some players inevitably see less playing time, and Jamie Malonzo is experiencing this during Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup. The high-flying forward has logged three DNPs (did not play) in as many games.
Despite this, Malonzo is accepting his role, according to Gilas coach Tim Cone. “All 12 guys are committed to each other and Jamie is showing great professionalism in handling his role,” Cone stated. “He’s been very supportive of his teammates and the goals that we have. His time will come.”
Malonzo is the only Gilas Pilipinas player yet to see action in the tournament. He was sidelined during the national team’s first two games, which resulted in a 95-87 loss to Chinese Taipei and a 94-86 defeat to New Zealand, leaving them at 0-2 in Group D. Even in Gilas’ crucial 66-57 victory over Iraq last Saturday, the former Barangay Ginebra forward remained on the bench.
Cone compared Malonzo to Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who had limited playing time during Team USA’s gold-medal run at the 2024 Paris Olympics. “As for Jamie, he’s our Jayson Tatum,” Cone added. “It’s hard playing all 12 players with this much talent on the team, and no one feels worse about not playing him than me.”
Malonzo and the rest of Gilas Pilipinas will face host Saudi Arabia in a knockout game on Tuesday at 12 a.m., with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals against defending champion Australia.Bookmark messageCopy messageExport
