PBA: Jamie Malonzo set for Ginebra return ‘soon’

Ginebra forward Jamie Malonzo could make his return in January.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra forward Jamie Malonzo expressed positivity when asked about his return to the Gin Kings’ lineup.

Malonzo was in high spirits on his way out of the Araneta Coliseum following Ginebra’s Christmas Day win over Magnolia.

“Soon. Really soon. Nothing exact but it’ll probably be sooner or later,” said Malonzo after the Gin Kings eked out a 95-92 victory thanks to a buzzer-beating triple by Scottie Thompson.

READ: No Jamie Malonzo for Gilas in upcoming Fiba qualifiers

“It’s still a work in progress. I’ve been participating [in practice], but not entirely yet.”

Coach Tim Cone said Malonzo may return “sometime in January.”

Malonzo is still recovering after tearing his calf during a Philippine Cup clash against the Batang Pier last April.

The injury also kept the La Salle product from suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas in the second window of the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers last month.

READ: PBA: Ginebra team effort makes up for Jamie Malonzo’s absence 

But being sidelined doesn’t mean Malonzo isn’t getting himself busy.

“I’ve been bulking up. When you go into surgery, you lose muscle in certain parts and areas so it was important to bulk up. Everybody’s been calling me fat!” Malonzo said jokingly.

“Everybody’s calling me fat but I’ve been bulking up and trying to gain more muscle.”

Ginebra resumes its campaign in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup against fellow powerhouse San Miguel Beer on January 5.