Jamie Malonzo Signs with Kyoto Hannaryz in Japan
Jamie Malonzo is taking the next step in his basketball career, officially joining Kyoto Hannaryz in Japan’s B.League. The team announced the signing on their social media channels on Thursday, July 31—coinciding with Malonzo’s birthday—welcoming the 6’6” Filipino-American forward on a one-year guaranteed deal with an option for a second year.
Malonzo’s move follows the expiration of his contract with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the PBA. According to a source close to the situation, the 29-year-old received the full support of Ginebra head coach Tim Cone and SMC sports director Alfrancis Chua, both of whom gave their blessing for the move. The decision is seen as a significant opportunity for Malonzo to grow his game in a competitive environment while securing greater financial stability.
He is still expected to be part of the Gilas Pilipinas national team program for at least the next two years.
Malonzo returns to full form after a major setback in 2024, when a torn calf muscle sidelined him for nine months. He made a successful return to Ginebra in January 2025, quickly regaining rhythm and becoming a key contributor in the team’s run to the Commissioner’s Cup Finals. Known for his athleticism, versatility, and improved outside shooting, Malonzo has evolved into a two-way threat—attributes that Kyoto is expected to leverage heavily in the coming B.League season.
Kyoto Hannaryz, meanwhile, are on an upward trajectory. Under former head coach Roy Rana, the team finished the 2024–25 season with a 33–27 record, marking their best campaign in nearly a decade. They led the league in field goal percentage (47.3%) and have steadily rebuilt after several underwhelming seasons. With new leadership coming in and renewed community investment—highlighted by GS Yuasa’s elevation to major sponsor—Kyoto is positioning itself as a serious competitor in the B1 division.
Malonzo joins a team that features a strong import core, including Angelo Caloiaro, Jordan Heath, and Charles Jackson, and a seasoned local lineup led by Takatoshi Furukawa and Seiya Konishi. His arrival is expected to boost Kyoto’s wing depth and give them a dynamic presence on both ends of the floor.
For Malonzo, this move represents not just a new league, but a major turning point. From his early rise in the PBA—where he became a two-time All-Star and a champion with Ginebra—to now stepping into one of Asia’s premier basketball markets, the next chapter of his career begins with high expectations and broader horizons.
