GUARD LJ Gonzales was among the first players to apply in this season’s PBA rookie Draft. Fittingly, his name was also foremost to be called at No. 5 overall by NLEX in the proceedings last Sept. 7 at the Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay.
The former Far Eastern University standout is relishing the opportunity to suit up for the Road Warriors and play alongside his former collegiate teammate Xyrus Torres anew—and go up against Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos, also a fellow Tamaraw product.
“Sobrang happy ako na nakasama ko ulit si Xyrus. Sobrang sarap sa feeling na iyong teammate mo nasa likod mo lang, laging nandiyan para suportahan ka, para umakyat kayo pareho. Sobrang blessed ako na makakasama ko siya ulit.
“Parehas na kaming nasa PBA ni RJ. Kung ano man iyong part niya, kung ano man iyong part ko, gagawin ko lang ang best ko para makalaban siya nang maayos. Bigay ko lang ‘yung 100 percent ko para sa team namin,” he added.
The 5-foot-10 Gonzales, 26, likewise is looking forward to learning the ropes in the pros from NLEX gunner Robert Bolick.
“Siyempre, unang-una sobrang excited ako kasi si kuya Robert, sobrang experienced na kuya namin siya. Sobrang thankful na ako na nandiyan siya para i-guide ako, para mas mag-mature pa ako sa laro ko,” Gonzales said.
“Sobrang grateful ako na nasa likod ako ni kuya Berto and hopefully mas marami pa akong matutunan sa kanya.”
Asia’s pioneering pro league is no patsies, which explains why Gonzales is keen on further improving his game.
“Siguro kailangan ko i-improve iyong shooting ko siguro, tsaka iyong decision making ko,” he said.
“So, lahat naman kailangan ko i-improve kung ano man iyong weakness ko, iyon siguro ang kailangan ko trabahuin para sa team din namin.”
