The year 2023 has been special for Nygel Gonzales.
Early this year, Gonzales led the Mapua Red Robins to the Final Four in the NCAA Season 98 juniors basketball tournament. However, they fell to eventual champions Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Months later, Gonzales earned his chip as a rookie when his college squad San Beda University took down his high school alma mater Mapua in the Season 99 finals.
"Sobrang special sakin ng taon na 'to, lalo na kalaban namin sa finals is Mapua, pinaglaruan ko nung last year ko sa juniors," Gonzales recalled in an interview with GMA News Online during the Red Lions' meet-and-greet in Anta's shop in Cubao.
"Ayun, thankful pa rin kay Lord kasi sa'min binigay 'yung championship."
(This year is special for me, especially since we went against Mapua, my school during my last year in the juniors. I'm thankful to the Lord since He gave us the championship.)
Celebrating with the NCAA kings!
— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) December 21, 2023
The San Beda Red Lions met some fans in the Anta shop in Gateway Cubao. @gmasportsph @gmanews pic.twitter.com/dEanXPd2p9
For Gonzales, however, he had to be professional despite going against Mapua.
"No hard feelings. Business 'yan, kailangan mag-perform kung nasaang team man," Gonzales said.
"Binati ko naman sila. We're in good terms naman," the San Beda rookie added.
(No hard feelings. It's pure business, I need to perform for whichever team I am in.)
During the last stretch of the season, Gonzales became crucial in the Mendiola-based crew's journey to the top.
For the season, Gonzales had 3.41 points and 1.29 rebounds. In the crucial Game 3 of the finals alone, the rookie had 10 points, three rebounds, and two assists.
However, the Batangas native said he would not rest on his laurels as the red-and-white beef up their roster for the league's centennial season.
"For me, it's going to be challenging lalo na papasok ang Calimag brothers and si Bryan Sajonia so I really need to step my game up. Mas gusto kong higitan yung napakita ko ngayon. Back to work ulit to prepare this January for Season 100."
(For me, it's going to be challenging especially since the Calimag brothers and Bryan Sajonia are coming so I really need to step my game up. I want to exceed what I have shown this season. It's back-to-work come January for Season 100.)
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
