Jamie Malonzo inks two-year deal with Japan B.League team Kyoto Hannaryz

Jamie Malonzo has officially signed a two-year deal with the Kyoto Hannaryz in the Japan B.League for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

Ginebra head coach Tim Cone stated that the team was aware of Malonzo's desire to play in Japan for a couple of years, so his move was not entirely a surprise.

Malonzo has been with Ginebra since being traded from NorthPort in 2022, and had signed a two-year extension to remain a Gin King the following year.

A calf injury sidelined Malonzo for much of the 2024 Philippine Cup and the whole duration of the 2024 Governors' Cup before returning to action last January.

Despite the injury, Malonzo received an offer from the Hannaryz, who previously had Matthew Wright as their Asian player.

While Ginebra is disappointed by Malonzo's departure, Cone understands that playing in the B.League is a significant opportunity and would not "hold back a player who wants to better his situation."

Cone and Malonzo are currently in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to represent Gilas Pilipinas in the Fiba Asia Cup.