MANILA, Philippines–As Gilas Pilipinas was in control of its much-important match with Iraq, its fans began chanting the name of the only player who has not seen action in the Fiba Asia Cup.

The predominantly Filipino crowd at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia tried to persuade coach Tim Cone into giving Jamie Malonzo some playing time after spending all of his time on the bench in the previous two games.

READ: Jamie Malonzo’s Japan B.League move no surprise to Tim Cone

Despite serenading the Gilas coach, Malonzo was again left to play the role of cheerleader as Gilas eventually defeated Iraq, 66-57, to secure a spot in the qualification game for the quarterfinals.

Malonzo’s non-appearance since the start of the tournament has puzzled many, given that he was one of players Cone selected to the final 12 by virtue of being one of the players familiar to his system and a mainstay on the Gilas pool.

But his non-appearance has left many to speculate as to why, with some even entertaining the idea that Malonzo was being benched due to his recent departure from Barangay Ginebra to the B.League Kyoto Hannaryz.

READ: Gilas’ other cogs shine in crucial Fiba Asia Cup win

Reports, however, said that Malonzo is not playing on Cone’s discretion while also ruling out any injury concerns.

Cone has not spoken publicly about Malonzo’s benching.

Meanwhile, CJ Perez got some playing minutes anew after being a DNP against New Zealand last Thursday. Perez finished with three points, two rebounds and two assists in eight minutes for Gilas.