Shock Exit: Jamie Malonzo Leaves Barangay Ginebra to Join Japan B.League Club Kyoto Hannaryz

Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) powerhouse Barangay Ginebra San Miguel has been dealt a major blow after it emerged on Thursday, July 31, that star forward Jamie Malonzo has left the franchise in a shock move.

Malonzo is taking his talents overseas to Japan after signing with B.League club Kyoto Hannaryz. The club announced Malonzo’s signing on its various social media platforms, stating:

“We are pleased to announce that a basic agreement has been reached for a player contract with Jamie Malonzo for the 2025–26 season. Jamie will join as an Asian special quota player.”

Malonzo, who is currently with Gilas Pilipinas for the upcoming 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, confirmed the move himself on his 29th birthday.

“It’s an honor to join such a passionate team and community in Japan. First, I want to thank the team management for believing in me and giving me this incredible opportunity. Your support means a lot, and I’m eager to contribute to our success this season,” Malonzo said.

“I’m genuinely excited about what lies ahead, and I can’t wait to hit the court with my teammates—bringing energy and determination to every game. I’m looking forward to building strong connections with all of you, both on and off the court, and helping to elevate the basketball culture in Kyoto,” he added.

【ジェイミー・マロンゾ選手 加入のお知らせ】

ジェイミー・マロンゾ選手との2025-26シーズンの選手契約が、基本合意に達しましたのでお知らせいたします。

ジェイミー選手はアジア特別枠での加入となります。

▼詳細・本人コメントhttps://t.co/DLEGwvUG34#京都ハンナリーズ #共に登る pic.twitter.com/fy6sZGqiro

— 京都ハンナリーズ (@kyotohannaryz) July 31, 2025

The move no doubt came as a surprise to Barangay Ginebra’s management, considering Malonzo signed a new two-year deal with the team in October 2023, and considering the players they gave up to acquire him from NorthPort Batang Pier in a three-team trade in 2022 that also involved San Miguel. Barangay Ginebra parted ways with Arvin Tolentino, Jeff Chan, Prince Caperal, and Kent Salado to complete the deal.

The 29-year-old spent three years with Barangay Ginebra, helping the team win the 2022–23 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, and reach the Finals on three other occasions. Malonzo has played a total of 138 games in the PBA across his stints with NorthPort and Barangay Ginebra.

Kyoto Hannaryz general manager Kota Matsushima welcomed Malonzo’s signing, expressing excitement about acquiring a player at the peak of his career.

“He is truly a star player who represents the Philippines in both name and reality. At just 29 years old, he is approaching the peak of his career, so we are truly pleased that he has decided to transfer. The club will fully support him both on and off the court to ensure this is a wonderful decision for Jamie,” Matsushima said.

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