Skippers tab Malonzo as Titans settle for 17-year-old Baclig in D-L draft

Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2020 09:02:23 +0000

BY JONAS TERRADO

Marinerong Pilipino became the surprise winner of the sweepstakes for Jamie Malonzo after selecting the former La Salle standout as the second overall pick of the PBA D-League Rookie Draft held Monday at the PBA Office in Libis.

The Skippers didn’t hesitate taking Malonzo after the AMA Online Education Titans decided to pick 17-year-old homegrown player Reed Baclig as the top choice of this year’s proceedings.

JAMIE Malonzo

Many had expected AMA to take Malonzo, the former Portland State University who had an impressive one-and-done stint with the Green Archers in the past UAAP campaign.

But AMA team manager Edwin Ancheta said it was best to go homegrown with Baclig, who has been part of the school’s program since his elementary days.

“Although nagbigay kami ng offer sa kanya (Malonzo), mas focused kami sa homegrown,” said Ancheta.

Marinerong Pilipino coach Yong Garcia was surprised that the chance to draft Malonzo fell into their lap.

“Hindi talaga namin inaakala na makukuha namin siya,” Garcia said after the Skippers selected a group of talented amateur players they hope can boost their chances of bouncing back from a runner-up finish in last year’s Foundation Cup.

Among the notable players taken by the Skippers are  ex-La Salle guards Joshua Torralba (second round) and Jollo Go (third round), University of the Phi
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