Far Eastern University head coach Olsen Racela is hoping that combo guard Ljay Gonzales would regain his form soon since suffering a sprained ankle prior to the opening of the UAAP Season 84.
For now, Racela has put a premium on Gonzales' health and let him play with "controlled minutes" in FEUs' 79-70 loss against Ateneo at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Tuesday, March 29.
"Kailangan labas-pasok siya every three minutes, hindi pa siya 100 percent pero we needed him today (Tuesday) (He needed to go in and out off the court every three minutes. He's not yet on 100 percent form but we needed him)," said the PBA great.
Racela also bared that Cholo Anonuevo, another playmaker for the Tamaraws, had sustained an injury though further details were not disclosed.
This gave all the more reason for the 51-year-old Racela to utilize Gonzales and help backcourt duo in rookie star guard RJ Abarrientos.
In 18 minutes and 40 seconds of play, the 5-foot-10 Gonzales, who won UAAP Season 79 Juniors' Finals Most Valuable Player award, was limited to four points and five rebounds on 2-of-9 shooting.
Although it is still early to dictate, this was a far cry from his Season 82 campaign as he averaged 10.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 15 games.
That is why Racela is keeping his fingers crossed for his prized guard not to figure in any mishaps anymore and maintain a tip-top shape.
"Hopefully, makabalik na siya sa dating form niya. Ang importante healthy siya. Sa ngayon hindi pa masiyado, 'di pa siya hundred percent (I hope he regains his old form. His health is more important right now but he's not in his best form yet)."