Ljay Gonzales
Louell Jay Gonzales is a Filipino professional basketball player for the NLEX Road Warriors of the Philippine Basketball Association.
He played his high school and collegiate career with the FEU Tamaraws, where he would stay until 2023. The following year, he made his professional debut with the Quezon Huskers franchise in both the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League and Pilipinas Super League, where he would lead the team to three finals appearances across both leagues, including a championship in the PSL. He also won the MPBL Rookie of the Year award, made two all-star appearances, and earned an All-MPBL Second Team selection.
In September 2025, Ljay was selected fifth overall by the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA season 50 draft.
High school and college career
In both high school and in college, Ljay played for the Far Eastern University Tamaraws. In 2017, in the juniors' division, he led Far Eastern University Diliman to the UAAP Season 79 juniors' basketball title, earning finals MVP honors. The following year, in Season 80, he was selected to the Mythical Five.On March 5, 2018, Gonzales announced his commitment to remain in FEU for the seniors' division. He would play for Far Eastern through the entirety of his college career.
Professional career
2024–2025: Quezon Huskers franchise
Following his collegiate career, Gonzales signed with the Quezon Huskers franchise in November 23, 2023, reuniting him with former FEU assistant coach Eric Gonzales. During the 2024 MPBL season, Ljay averaged 9.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game while leading Quezon to the best record in the South Division and later on their first MPBL finals appearance. For his efforts, Ljay became an all-star starter, won the MPBL Rookie of the Year award, and was selected to the All-MPBL Second Team.On August 15, 2025, Ljay declared for the PBA season 50 draft as one of the earliest applicants in the draft class. He would go on to be selected fifth overall by the NLEX Road Warriors.