Gilas Pilipinas coach Cone lauds Jamie Malonzo’s professionalism despite no minutes yet in FIBA Asia Cup

In a team stacked with talent, some players are bound to log fewer—or even zero—minutes on the court.

That has been the case for Jamie Malonzo in Gilas Pilipinas' ongoing stint at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup as the high-flying forward has logged three DNPs (did not play) in as many games.

But the B. League-bound star, according to Gilas coach Tim Cone, is accepting the role as the Filipinos continue to salvage their campaign.

"All 12 guys are committed to each other and Jamie is showing great professionalism in handling his role," Cone said in a message.

"He's been very supportive of his teammates and the goals that we have. His time will come."

Jamie Malonzo remains the lone Gilas Pilipinas player yet to see action in the regional tournament. He was sidelined in the national team’s first two outings—a 95-87 loss to Chinese Taipei and a 94-86 defeat to New Zealand—that dropped them to 0-2 in Group D.

Even in Gilas’ crucial 66-57 victory over Iraq last Saturday, the former Barangay Ginebra forward still never got off the bench.

Cone likened Malonzo to Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who, despite his stellar resume and proven talent, saw limited action during Team USA’s gold-medal run at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The multi-titled tactician admitted he feels worse not fielding his longtime and trusted ward.

"As for Jamie, he's our Jayson Tatum," Cone added.

"It's hard playing all 12 players with this much talent on the team, and no one feels worse about not playing him than me."

Malonzo and the rest of Gilas Pilipinas will take on host Saudi Arabia in a knockout game on Tuesday at 12 a.m. with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals against the defending champion Australia. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News