MANILA, Philippines — Tim Cone is taking a precautionary measure after holding back fit-again wingman Jamie Malonzo during Barangay Ginebra’s 93-81 win over San Miguel at the resumption of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup last Sunday.
“Right now, he is healthy and cleared by the trainers. But now, it’s really getting into game shape for him,” said Cone.
The American mentor said the decision to keep him at the sidelines at the moment, was a decision to avoid “risking injury” on the 6-foot-7 Malonzo.
“We don’t want him to go in and not be in shape and risk injury again. So we want to make sure he is in 100 percent shape before he comes back,” he added.
Ginebra, which improved to 5-2 overall, returns to action Wednesday against league-leader NorthPort.
Cone said there’s no certainty that Malonzo will be able to play by then.
The 28-year-old Filipino-American has been out of action since April 2024 when he sustained a calf injury, incidentally against NorthPort in the Philippine Cup last season.
Malonzo is a valuable piece for Ginebra, and could contribute right away when he swings back to action given his ability to defend and being a solid open-court player.
