Jamie Malonzo might be wearing a different color of jersey but the fans still cheered in the same level of intensity every time he goes for highlight plays.
And for the high-flying Gilas Pilipinas forward, the rowdy cheers that serenaded him every after dunk is the reason why playing in the humongous Philippine Arena exactly felt like home.
It was actually in the very same stadium a few months back where Malonzo got to raise his first PBA crown with Barangay Ginebra.
“It was different. I had a blue jersey in front of a red jersey this time. As far as the fans, the feeling of a big arena and just everybody there, I sort of felt at home for sure playing in front of that crowd again,” said Malonzo, who also provided the spark off the bench by finishing with 15 points built on five triples to go along with his five rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal.
“It’s definitely exciting that I played here in Game 7 (of the PBA) and played here tonight. It’s definitely a familiar feeling. It felt like home,” he added.
Even head coach Chot Reyes heaved praises for the Ginebra forward, who along with teen Mason Amos gave the Nationals a huge lift.
“The fact that they both played well, I think, was a big factor. The bench really gave us a spark going on crucial runs both first and the second half,” said Reyes.
“I think my goal is just to have fun. I really didn’t know how it turned out so I just wanted to go out there the hardest I could for the country. That’s what I did. It was fun, for sure, playing for the fans,” said Malonzo.