After the unfortunate calf injury of Fil-Am forward Jamie Malonzo last April, which caused him to skip the full season-opening Governors’ Cup and the Philippine Cup playoffs, the newly reactivated player of Ginebra Kings is gearing up for his inevitable return to the court.

However, before his team’s clash against the San Miguel Beermen on Sunday, January 5, Malonzo was spotted wearing street clothes, implying that his fans still had to wait for him to wear his jersey again.

After his inclusion in Ginebra’s active roster, which was announced last Saturday, the former De La Salle star received the go signal to start dribbling again. It would have been great timing to test the adrenaline since they were up against the reigning champion San Miguel Beermen in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

While he has yet to join the Kings, the 6-foot-7 forward’s top priority is to play for the national team, Gilas Pilipinas. As many know, his condition forced him to spectate on the sidelines while the team floored their opponents from New Zealand and Hong Kong last November.

Although the Gilas secured a spot at the Asia Cup proper in Saudi Arabia, our bet still has to champion two more games for the final window this coming February in New Zealand and Chinese Taipei before proceeding to the main event late next year.

Malonzo mentioned that he would “definitely” be part of the two highly-anticipated games next month, which he cannot afford to miss, the source said.

Regarding his injury and capabilities of snagging the crown, Coach Tim Cone of Ginebra suggested his inclusion is a “game-time decision” even after Malanzo’s eight-month vacation from the court.

For the Barangay Ginebra fans, the never-say-die team is set to compete with the Northport Batang Pier on January 8 at the PhilSports Arena, followed by an encounter with the Blackwater Bossing on January 12 at Ynares Center-Antipolo.