Ginebra forward Jamie Malonzo watches as the Gin Kings beat San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Ginebra isn’t rushing Jamie Malonzo to be back in action despite his clearance to play again for the Gin Kings.
Malonzo remained on the sidelines on Sunday as the Gin Kings dominated the San Miguel Beermen, 93-81, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Araneta Coliseum.
“Right now, he is healthy and he’s cleared by the trainers but now it’s about really getting into game shape for him,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.
READ: PBA: Ginebra whips San Miguel ahead of clash vs No. 1 NorthPort
“We don’t want him to come in and not be in shape, risking an injury again so we want to make sure he’s in a hundred-percent shape before he comes back.”
There was anticipation that Malonzo could finally come back against San Miguel after being reactivated into the lineup ahead of the clash.
But while it didn’t happen Sunday, Malonzo’s return is coming sooner than later.
READ: PBA: Ginebra eyes consistency with help of reactivated Jamie Malonzo
“It depends on how he’ll practice over the next two days. He’s healthy, he’s ready to go but he’s not in the proper, true, game shape yet. He’s not in the proper rhythm to play,” Cone said.
The 28-year-old forward Malonzo has been out since April after tearing a calf muscle in the final seconds of Ginebra’s win over NorthPort in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Interestingly, the Gin Kings take on the league-leading Batang Pier next on Wednesday at Philsports Arena.