More from Malonzo, please.
One of the perks of being in a team full of stars is that no one or two players carry a boatload of responsibilities. And that could be relieving for the younger guys, who can grow at their own pace without the sometimes-overbearing burden of being one of the main studs.
That is the luxury Jamie Malonzo has gotten when he got traded to the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings prior to the Commissioner’s Cup. With Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson, and company getting the lion’s share of expectations, Malonzo was able to just play his game and pick and choose his spots.
But it appears those days are over.
Tim Cone bared post-game on Friday night that the Ginebra coaching staff is expecting more from Malonzo—a lot more.
Specifically, Cone said Malonzo has been tasked to be the Gin Kings' primary defender on opposing imports, like the Northport Batang Pier's Kevin Murphy on Friday. Cone then emphasized the gravity of Malonzo’s added responsibilities.
In years past, according to multi-titled mentor, specialists like Ginebra assistant coach Freddie Abuda could just focus on being an import stopper and not worry all that much about helping out on offense. Those days, said Cone, are also long over—especially for Malonzo.
“We’re asking Jamie to do a lot more. The game has evolved… You can't have guys like that [specialists] anymore. Everybody has to do something,” Cone added. “He’s [Malonzo] doing all of that, plus all the stuff you are seeing in terms of rebounding, running the floor, making dunks. It’s really incredible.”
Indeed, Malonzo was incredible against the Northport Batang Pier Friday night, recording a team-high 28 points on top of 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks while harassing Northport import Kevin Murphy into an inefficient 16-for-41 clip from the field. It was by far Malonzo's best game this conference, and Ginebra will need more of the same, especially with all the injuries to its key players.
The good news for Ginebra is that Malonzo looks up to the challenge.