Barangay Ginebra San Miguel head coach Tim Cone said it’s too early to talk about a possible reunion with Jamie Malonzo following his release from Japan B.League’s Kyoto Hannaryz on Friday.
In a text message to Fastbreak on Friday afternoon, Cone said that it will be up the Gin Kings management as well as the PBA if they will allow Malonzo to return to the league.
“I hadn’t heard that yet (Malonzo’s release), but that’s something that would have to be discussed with management and the league,” Cone said.
Malonzo is currently covered by the newly-implemented three-year ban by the PBA for its players who chose to take their talents overseas. It can be lifted, however, with a majority vote among the PBA Board members.
Malonzo, who signed with Kyoto last July after four seasons in the PBA, was officially placed on the B.League’s free agent list on Friday following a disappointing start to the 2025-26 campaign.
In five games with the Hannaryz, Malonzo saw limited action—playing just 30 minutes total and averaging 1.2 points and 1.0 rebounds. Kyoto currently holds a 1-4 record.
Kyoto President and General Manager Kouta Matsushima confirmed the separation in a statement posted on the team’s website.
“We have mutually agreed to terminate Jamie Malonzo’s contract. Jamie is a wonderful person who has worked hard every day to adjust to his new environment,” Matsushima said.
“While this is a difficult decision, we appreciate your understanding. We are currently in contract negotiations with a new naturalized or Asian player and will report on the details once the contract is finalized.”
Matsushima added that the team is determined to recover from its early-season struggles.
“The team and front office are determined to continue working together to overcome this situation and turn things around,” he said. “We hope you will continue to support us as we climb the ladder together.”
Malonzo joined Ginebra in 2022 and quickly became one of the team’s core players, helping the Gin Kings capture the 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup title.
With his stint in Japan now over, the next chapter in Malonzo’s career remains uncertain—but Cone made it clear that any move to bring him back would need careful discussion among stakeholders. (AC)
AloJapan.com