Jamie Malonzo: From PBA Star to B.League Standout
Jamie James Malonzo Orme, better known as Jamie Malonzo, is a Filipino-American professional basketball player known for his high-flying athleticism, versatility on the court, and growing international presence. Born on July 31, 1996, in Seattle, Washington, Malonzo holds dual citizenship and proudly represents his Filipino heritage on the global basketball stage.
Early Life and Collegiate Journey
Malonzo attended O’Dea High School in Seattle before playing college basketball at Highline Community College (2015 to 2017). He later transferred to Portland State (2017 to 2019), where he honed his skills further, and eventually moved to the Philippines in 2019 to play for De La Salle University. During his lone UAAP season, he made an immediate impact and earned a spot on the UAAP Mythical Team.
PBA Career and Rise to Stardom
In the 2020 PBA Draft, Malonzo was selected second overall by NorthPort Batang Pier. He quickly established himself as a two-way force with his scoring, rebounding, and perimeter defense. After two productive seasons, he was traded to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in September 2022 in a blockbuster deal. He helped the team capture the 2022 to 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup championship and earned several individual accolades, including two PBA All-Star selections and a spot on the 2023 Mythical First Team.
Despite suffering a calf injury during the 2024 Philippine Cup playoffs, Malonzo remained a valuable asset to Ginebra until 2025, when he signed with Kyoto Hannaryz of Japan’s B.League.
Transition to the B.League
In July 2025, Malonzo made the leap to international play by signing with the Kyoto Hannaryz for the 2025 to 2026 Japan B.League season. The announcement was made shortly after it was confirmed that he would first represent Gilas Pilipinas in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup before officially joining his new club in Japan.
MALONZO TO KYOTO
Jamie Malonzo is taking his talents to the Land of the Rising Sun with the Kyoto Hannaryz for the 2025 to 2026 B.League season, but not before suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.
National Team Contributions
Eligible as a local under FIBA rules, Malonzo received his Philippine passport at age eight. He was included in the final 12-man Gilas Pilipinas lineup for the 2023 FIBA World Cup and continues to be part of the national team program. His commitment to Gilas remains firm, as he prepares to compete in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup before heading to Japan.
Style of Play and Career Highlights
Standing at 6 feet 7 inches and weighing 210 pounds, Malonzo plays both small forward and power forward positions. He’s known for his explosive dunks, solid defensive instincts, and improving perimeter shooting. Over his PBA career, he averaged 13.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game across 138 appearances.
- PBA Champion – 2022 to 2023 Commissioner’s Cup
- 2× PBA All-Star – 2023, 2024
- PBA Mythical First Team – 2023
- PBA All-Rookie Team – 2021
- UAAP Mythical Team – 2019
Personal Background
Jamie Malonzo is the son of an African-American father and a Filipino mother from Batangas. He proudly uses his mother’s surname on his jersey as a tribute to his Filipino lineage. His blend of American training and Filipino pride has made him a unique and admired figure in the world of basketball.
