Malonzo still finding groove

Despite reports of finally suiting up, Jamie Malonzo was reduced into a mere cheerleader during Barangay Ginebra’s impressive 93-81 win over San Miguel Beer in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup late Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The high-flying forward from De La Salle University was in street clothes while witnessing the Kings’ conquer their fifth win in seven games in this midseason tournament.

Ginebra coach Tim Cone stressed that the 28-year-old Malonzo was already

re-activated but he has yet to be in perfect shape after suffering a calf injury in their game against NorthPort on 14 April last year.

He was sidelined since then, missing key tourneys like the season-opening Governors’ Cup as well as Gilas Pilipinas’ campaigns in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament and the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.

“Right now, he’s really healthy. He’s been cleared by the trainers. But it’s about really getting into game shape for him,” said Cone, adding that sitting Malonzo out is just a mere precautionary measure on their part.

“We don’t want him to come in and not be in shape, risking an injury again. We want to make sure that he’s in a hundred-percent shape before he comes back.”

But Malonzo’s failed comeback hardly had an impact on the Kings.

Troy Rosario stepped up, dropping a monster double-double performance of 22 points and 10 rebounds while import Justin Brownlee shrugged off sickness to chip in 19 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the field with seven rebounds, three blocks and two assists in 35 minutes of action.

Stephen Holt and Japeth Aguilar also provided support with 15 and 11 points, respectively, for the Kings, who launched a huge fourth-quarter rally to spoil the Beermen comeback.

Cone said he hopes Malonzo can be in game shape sooner than later — or at least in the next couple of days.

“It depends on how he will practice in the next couple of days,” said Cone, hoping to field Malonzo when they face the league-leading Batang Pier on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena.