PBA: Ginebra’s Jamie Malonzo out eight weeks with injured calf

Jamie Malonzo (left) hurt himself while going up for a dunk late in the game. —PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Barangay Ginebra’s Jamie Malonzo will be sidelined for about six to eight weeks after suffering a calf injury during the final seconds of his team’s 95-88 win over NorthPort in the PBA Philippine Cup.

Coach Tim Cone made the confirmation Wednesday, three days after Malonzo sustained the injury in a freak incident that came with the outcome already settled at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“Initial prognosis is [that it is a] calf tear,” Cone said in a text message. “[It will take] six to eight weeks before he can return to the lineup.”

READ: Ginebra wins but loses Jamie Malonzo to injury in final seconds

It appeared that Malonzo was going for a breakaway dunk to cap off a hard-fought win when he suddenly fell to the ground, putting a damper on the result that put Ginebra at 5-3 in the all-Filipino tournament.

With Malonzo missing significant time, the Gin Kings hope to see other players fill the void in a bid to enhance their chances of a better positioning in the quarterfinals.

The timetable which Cone said may mean that Malonzo could miss the remainder of the eliminations and the early part of the playoffs.

Malonzo is known for thriving in the Ginebra roster for his athleticism and ability to produce on offense when needed.

But the performance of rookie Ralph Cu last week is something Ginebra hopes would rub off on the rest of the roster.

Cu averaged 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists in the wins over Blackwater and NorthPort.