Ljay Gonzales is living up to his “Speedy Gonzales” moniker for NLEX in the PBA

The NLEX Road Warriors have come out firing in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup, opening their campaign with back-to-back victories to remain unbeaten early in the tournament. Their strong start has not only set the tone for their season but also signaled their intent to be serious contenders in the mid-season conference.

NLEX’s latest triumph came at the expense of the Magnolia Hotshots, whom they defeated 112–105 on Sunday, March 15, at the Ynares Center in Montalban. It was a complete team effort for the Road Warriors, with contributions coming from across the roster in a performance that highlighted both depth and cohesion.

Among the standout performers was rookie guard Ljay Gonzales, who once again showcased his explosiveness and versatility. The 27-year-old finished with an impressive stat line of 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals, providing energy on both ends of the floor. His ability to push the pace and attack in transition has quickly made him a valuable piece in NLEX’s rotation.

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Gonzales’ speed has not gone unnoticed, earning him the nickname “Speedy Gonzales,” a nod to the iconic Speedy Gonzales from the Looney Tunes franchise. The rookie has embraced the moniker, taking it as a badge of honor as he continues to carve out his role in the professional ranks.

LET’S GOnzales 💯

The fifth overall pick that will bolster the NLEX Road Warriors’ roster is LJay Gonzales in the first round of the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft!#PBA50 #PBADraft #PBAAngatAngLaban pic.twitter.com/1euRLLiaLd

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) September 7, 2025

“Siguro yun po nakikita nila. Sobrang happy naman ako na yun sinasabi sakin. Yun sinabi nila boss so kailangan tanggapin. Sobrang sarap din sa pakiramdam na sasabihin ka ng ganun ng manager,” Gonzales said in the postmatch press conference.

Before turning pro, Gonzales built a solid reputation in the collegiate scene as a key player for the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the UAAP. Following his collegiate stint, he took his talents to the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), signing with the Quezon Huskers in November 2023.

His time in the MPBL proved to be a crucial stepping stone. Gonzales flourished in the league, capturing the Rookie of the Year honors in 2024 and earning two All-Star selections. His performances there caught the attention of PBA teams, eventually leading to his signing with NLEX on December 23, 2025.

Now, just a few games into his PBA career, Gonzales is already making his presence felt, providing the Road Warriors with an added dimension—particularly in transition offense and perimeter defense.

“He gives us a different dimension sa laro,” NLEX head coach Jong Uichico said when asked about the rookie.

With momentum on their side, the Road Warriors will look to extend their winning streak when they take on the TNT Tropang 5G on Sunday, March 22, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. As NLEX continues to build chemistry and confidence, all eyes will be on Gonzales and the rest of the squad to see if they can sustain their early surge in the Commissioner’s Cup.

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