Ljay Gonzales is slowly regaining form after showcasing his best game so far in the UAAP Season 84.
Though Far Eastern University fell short at the hands of De La Salle, 75-65, the spitfire guard scored 17 points on top of his four rebounds, four steals and three assists.
Sans Cholo Anonuevo, who also suffered an injury, Gonzales had to step up and provided the backcourt reinforcement with rookie guard RJ Abarrientos.
"Okay naman ako ngayon. Nakapag-adjust na galing sa injury," said the 5-foot-10 Gonzales.
"Every time naman sinasabi nila coach (Olsen Racela) sa akin, tinatanong ako lagi kung okay na ba ako, kinukumusta 'yong paa ako. Sabi ko naman sa kanila, okay naman na ako, ready naman ako, handa na ako maglaro."
Gonzales had to sit out of the opening day due to a sprained ankle as FEU handily defeated University of Santo Tomas, 76-51.
Gonzales, who was Season 79's Finals Most Valuable Player, suited up in the Tamaraws' 79-70 loss against reigning champions Ateneo Blue Eagles and was limited to four points and five rebounds on 2-of-9 shooting.
Racela, for his part, reiterated that Gonzales has yet to attain his hundred percent but tipped his hat to the 23-year-old combo guard.
"Scoring-wise he did well," said the PBA legend. "But he has to improve on his distribution, 'yong orchestrating plays for his team.
"Nag-uusap usap naman kami kung ano pa ang kulang niya but obviously this is his best game so far this year."
Along with his desire to end the Tamaraws' two-game skid, Racela hoped that Gonzales would reach his peak shape soon.
FEU faces National University, which has an identical 1-2 record, in the 10 a.m. curtain-raiser at the Mall of Asia arena Saturday, April 2.