Norman Black eyes Jamie Malonzo for Gilas Pilipinas as SEA Games roster finalization nears

With the 2025 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Bangkok fast approaching, the Philippine men’s basketball team is still in the process of finalizing its roster under head coach Norman Black.

Black revealed that one spot remains open in the Gilas Pilipinas squad, and he is reportedly looking to bring in former PBA standout Jamie Malonzo, who may become available following his release from Japan B. League team Kyoto Hannaryz. Malonzo only played five games for the Japanese side before being let go.

“I just heard Jamie Malonzo is available now. Obviously, I am going to call him and try to see whether he will be interested in playing. I still have one slot available,” Black said in an appearance on Power & Play.

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While Malonzo could be an asset with his athleticism and international experience, his availability for the SEA Games remains uncertain. The 29-year-old forward, currently in talks with other teams in Japan, has expressed his desire to remain in the league.

‘[I’M] EXCITED TO CONTINUE MY JOURNEY HERE IN JAPAN’ 🇯🇵

Jamie Malonzo thanked the Kyoto Hannaryz for the opportunity after his short stint with the team and assured fans that he’s ready to continue the 2025–26 Japan #BLeague season, with talks already underway with other teams. pic.twitter.com/ZgvqxL4Vs8

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) October 18, 2025

“I’m 100 percent healthy and ready to continue the season. I’m in talks with other teams and excited to continue my journey here in Japan. The team’s been dealing with injuries and wants to strengthen their front court,” Malonzo said in a statement.

Should Malonzo sign with another Japanese club, it’s likely he will miss the SEA Games, which run from December 9 to 20, due to league commitments. Japanese and Korean clubs are not obligated by FIBA to release players for non-FIBA tournaments like the SEA Games.

In the meantime, Black has assembled a competitive pool that includes Ray Parks, Matthew Wright, Remy Martin, Ange Kouame, Justin Brownlee, Dave Ildefonso, Jason Brickman, Veejay Pre, Thirdy Ravena, Kymani Ladi, and Mike Phillips. However, player availability is still contingent on eligibility rules that could impact key players.

“If they change the rules, I’m down to six players,” Black said. “I need to add players—particularly big guys. I might lose Kouame or Brownlee; one of them cannot play. I would need size. Because I’m going to lose Phillips, I’m going to lose Ladi. These guys are big guys. So definitely, Greg [Slaughter] would be somebody we would want to consider.”

Black made it clear that his priority is to form the most competitive team possible as the defending champions aim to retain their title in Bangkok.

“My attitude right now is to put together the best team I can and try to win the championship. That’s my focus. Those who want to play—I welcome them. Those who have other plans, I can’t get stuck on that.”

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