The NLEX Road Warriors took over solo second place in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup thanks to a game-winning triple by rookie Ljay Gonzales off a pass by usual NLEX closer Robert Bolick.
That game-winner capped off a furious NLEX fightback in the fourth quarter against the Meralco Bolts—and there was little doubt in Gonzales’s mind it was going in the second it left his hand. And no, it isn’t about being cocky. Rather, it’s about utmost confidence borne out of hard work and persistence.
“Hundred percent naman ako tuwing naglalaro ako,” Gonzales said after NLEX’s pulsating 104-101 victory over Meralco. “Tuwing tumitira ko, hundred percent ako na ‘yung mindset ko talaga pumasok kasi every day naman wino-work on ko ‘yun. Hindi lang ako ‘yung nagwo-work on kundi dahil din sa mga coaches na lagi rin nanjan para tulungan ako sa mga weakness ko.”
Ljay Gonzales Shows True Confidence
That unwavering belief was on full display in overtime. A sub-70% shooter from the foul line, Ljay Gonzales hit four free throws before his game-winner—two to give NLEX a 93-92 lead at the 3:28 mark and then two more to extend the Road Warriors’ lead to 101-98 with 20 seconds remaining. Meralco’s Jason Brickman then tied the game with a trey, setting the stage for one final play.
NLEX ran it beautifully, with a Tony Semerad screen freeing up Robert Bolick on the left wing for the potential game-winning trey. But Marvin Jones, who had switched on to Gonzales, jumped in to contest, leaving the rookie alone.
Bolick trusted Ljay Gonzales—and the first-year guard delivered. It was his first triple of the game after missing his first three.
Repaying That Trust Is Ljay Gonzales
Evidently, there’s plenty of trust going around at NLEX. Bolick had complete trust in the rookie. The coaches share that belief as well—and it’s only pushing Ljay Gonzales to work even harder.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa kanila, sobrang laki ng tiwala nila sa akin,” said Gonzales. “‘Yung mga ganung bagay kelangan ko rin pagtrabahuhan. Hindi naman basta-basta nila ibibigay sa akin ‘yun, so kelangan ko rin pokpokin ‘yung sarili ko, i-push ‘yung sarili ko para maibalik ‘yung mga sinasabi ng mga coaches sa ‘kin.”
It’s trust earned from pure hard work and persistence. And it’s trust that Ljay Gonzales is determined to keep—and repay.
