Jamie Malonzo was the difference maker in the SEA Games 2025 semifinals and Finals for Gilas Pilipinas.
No one can question Jamie Malonzo’s commitment to Gilas Pilipinas, especially after the team ruled the SEA Games 2025 men's 5x5 basketball Friday, Dec. 19.
Shortly after powering Gilas past Thailand, 70-64, to retain the gold, Malonzo revealed how he found a way to represent the country.
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“Honestly, I really wanted to win gold for the country. Just knowing how many rules were being set in place, I wanted to bring it back no matter what,” said Malonzo, who finished with a game-high 17 points.
“I actually went behind my agent’s back to participate. And I really wanted to win. That's just the feeling I had.”
Lineup woes plagued Gilas in the days leading up to the biennial meet.
That is why Malonzo was over the moon when the dust settled at the Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok.
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It’s a vindication of sorts for Malonzo, who caught the ire of Ginebra fans after his shocking move to the Kyoto Hannaryz in the Japan B.LEAGUE before the ongoing PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
The 6-foot-6 cager played sparingly for five games with Kyoto before mutually parting ways with the team.
Then he returned to the country to join Gilas’ preparation for the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, but did not make the final cut.
Entering the biennial meet with a chip on his shoulder, Malonzo reminded every one of his caliber with his big-time performances against Indonesia in the semifinals and the Thais in the Last Dance.
[RELATED STORY: SEA Games: Thirdy Ravena lauds Jamie Malonzo in Gilas' win vs Indonesia]
“Masarap 'yong feeling talaga. Just everything leading up to this point. A lot of special players back home could have participated because of a lot of different reasons,” Malonzo said.
“It makes this one feel much sweeter for the Philippines talaga. Masarap 'yong feeling. It really feels good to win this for the country and bring back the gold no matter what it took.”
(With reports from Nic Earnshaw/Cignal)
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.