AN issue with his knee kept Jamie Malonzo out in Barangay Ginebra's PBA Philippine Cup debut against Terrafirma on Wednesday.
Coach Tim Cone said the 6-foot-7 Fil-Am had limited practice with the team prior to its game against the Dyip due to the injury.
"Jamie just came off a knee problem so he only had a couple of practices. So we held him out," said the Ginebra mentor.
But just the same, Malonzo was ready to suit up against Terrafirma in a game which Ginebra won handily, 101-80.
Cone however, hinted about the need to have Malonzo back in the active roster for the Kings' marquee matchup against the San Miguel Beermen this Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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Another big body aside from Japeth Aguilar to help in holding off eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo is necessary for Ginebra to keep in step with the team that is coming off a 98-95 overtime loss against Magnolia prior to the Holy week break.
"We hope to get everybody back in time for San Miguel. You know, June Mar is always the target," said Cone. "You've got to figure out how to handle him, how much you're going to allow him to dominate the game, and then you've got to pick your poison with their shooters. So a lot goes into it."(RG)
