Jamie Malonzo finds new B.League home with Earthfriends Tokyo Z

Jamie Malonzo during his time with Kyoto Kyoto Hannaryz in the Japan B.League. –BLEAGUE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Jamie Malonzo will be back in the Japan B.League after finding a new home in Tokyo.

After a short stint with Kyoto Hannaryz, Malonzo went off the radar. That all changed on Friday when he signed with the Earthfriends Tokyo Z.

“It’s an honor to join a club with such passionate fans and a strong vision for the future,” Malonzo said.

“I’m excited to get to Tokyo, meet my teammates, coaches, and everyone who supports this organization. I can’t wait to compete at the highest level, give everything I have every single day, and do my part to help bring success to the team.”

The last Filipino import to play for Tokyo Z was Juan Gomez de Liaño during the 2021-22 season.

The Earthfriends’ general manager Tatsuhiko Iido also expressed his excitement in signing the former Barangay Ginebra high-flyer.

“We are confident that he embodies our goal of ‘playing fast, aggressively, and fighting to the very end.’ His high athleticism and determination to win will represent a new style for Tokyo Z,” Iida said. “Jamie’s addition is not just a reinforcement of our roster, but a big step for the club to move to a new stage.”

Malonzo will bolster a Tokyo Z squad which earned a promotion to the second division for the upcoming season.

Last year, the Earthfriends finished with a 16-36 record in the B3 division.