The versatile forward from Ateneo has been confined in the RP delegation’s medical clinic at Rex Hotel under the care of Dr. Alex Pineda the last two days and is a doubtful starter in the Philippines’ first game versus Thailand Sunday at the Military Gym.
"Dalawang practice na ang na-miss niya. Nagpantal ang buong katawan at maga ang mukha. Hindi namin alam kung anong masama ang nakain niya," RP team coach Aric del Rosario told The STAR.
"Sabi ni Dr. Pineda pwede pang ihabol sa Sunday. Sana nga, dahil kailangan ko siya," Del Rosario added.
Del Rosario said Gonzales is among his key players at forward positions.
The veteran mentor said he’s thinking on starting Gary David and Richard Melencio at two and three spots versus the Thais because of their familiarity with their rivals.
"Si Gary at Richard nakita na ang kalaban sa SEABA (Southeast Asian Basketball Association) championship. "Sila Wesley, Rich Alvarez at James Yap wala pang experience, kaya pagoobserbahin ko muna sa simula," said Del Rosario.
David and Melencio are to start with Marc Pingris at center, Ranidel de Ocampo at power forward and Celino Cruz at the point.
Even in the possible absence of Gonzales, the Nationals are expected to have an easy sailing against the Thais to set in motion their quest for a seventh straight gold medal in the games.