Ginebra is still adjusting to life after the departure of Jamie Malonzo as it heads to PBA Season 50. Jeremiah Gray might just help with that.
Jamie Malonzo’s absence is starting to sink in for Ginebra.
Just ask Scottie Thompson.
Speaking to reporters during the PBA Media Day Friday, Sept. 26, Thompson said the Gin Kings felt something is amiss as theyr intensify their preparations for the league's 50th season.
“Sa practice, nararamdaman namin 'yong kakulangan, 'yong nawala sa'min si Jamie,” said Thompson.
At the end of Season 49, Malonzo opted to leave Ginebra for Kyoto Hannaryz in the Japan B.LEAGUE.
The move surprised most, including the Gin Kings, with whom he won a championship in 2023.
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But Thompson and the rest of Ginebra have no other recourse but to move on and build something new with their key additions in Norbert Torres and incoming rookie Sonny Estil.
Filling in the gap left by Malonzo is Jeremiah Gray.
“I think, for us right now, mayroon naman kaming mga guys who can step up, especially a healthy Miah,” the former Most Valuable Player Thompson said.
“We’re expecting more role kay Miah. And we’re praying na healthy siya palagi kasi sobrang kailangan namin siya ngayon.”
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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.