Flashback Amateur Player Feature # 9 - Jerry Gonzales

Jerry Gonzales is the youngest of six children (Joe, Tina, Nanette, Bobot, Eddie and Jerry) of Jose Sy and Elpidia Banis. He grew up with his uncle Vicente Gonzales. He was a track and field star during his days at the Philippine Academy of Sakya. During his freshman year as a high schooler, he shifted to basketball. He was spotted by referee Caloy Ramirez who recommended him to then Letran coach Larry Albano. He played three years with the Letran Juniors and then was elevated to the senior ranks in 1981 still under Albano. In 1982, he was adjudged Most Valuable Player of the NCAA as the Knights captured the first of its three consecutive championships. Among his teammates on the Letran roster were Romeo Ang, Avelino 'Samboy' Lim, Salvador Ramos and Cayetano Salazar all of whom have moved up to the PBA. "Gusto ko rin sanang maglaro sa PBA. Kaya lang ay walang pagkakataong magparelease noon. Paano pa ako maga-apply ngayon, hindi naman ako visible sa amateur basketball," he said. In 1984, he made it as an alternate to the RP Youth team that finished third in Seoul. He also played for the RP team in the 1984 Jones Cup. Gonzales was also MVP of the 1986 Intercollegiate held in Bacolod City. He converted the game winning shot for Letran in the finals. He also played for Masagana 99, Purefoods, Lady's Choice, ESQ-Sta. Lucia, Agfa Color, and Burger City in the PBL. Following a five-month lay-off and a brief stint with Cheankang Fraternity, Jerry was taken in by Goyu & Sons in 1989. He has been a stalwart in Goyu's campaigns in the Surabaya Indonesia tournament where they won and other international tourneys. He was also adjudged Best Player of the championship game of the 1st Goyu Cup in 1991. Jerry says that when he returns next year, he'll probably try his luck in the PBA. 

Source : Sports Weekly Magazine MAY 1-8, 1982