A month after winning his first-ever UAAP championship, Isaac Go was bestowed with another honor as he was named to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ 20 for 2023 list last Friday.
It had been seven years since the gentle giant from Xavier High School last donned the colors of the country. And he can’t wait to work for it once this batch’s sessions begin on Monday night.
“I’m ecstatic. No words can describe this feeling.
“Just being given another chance and opportunity to represent the country — all the more that it’s going to be held here in Manila — is such a surreal feeling,” Go, who was part of the 2011 youth team, told Tiebreaker Times.
The 6-foot-8 Filipino-Chinese big man was actually working out with Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga and the NLEX Road Warriors in Xavierville when the news broke out. Admittedly, he was surprised that he was part of the elite list.
Teacher: St. Isaac Go
Me: Pray for us pic.twitter.com/SB8BX8Dtne
— Juami Tiongson (@juamitiongson) January 5, 2018
“I was a bit surprised with the announcement and didn’t really expect this. There could have been other players that Coach Chot [Reyes] and the coaching staff chosen from but I’m thankful for the opportunity they have given me,” the 21-year-old expressed.
“I hope that I can repay their trust in me.”
Besides Go, fellow Blue Eagles Matt Nieto and Thirdy Ravena were also chosen to be part of the pool. With this, the troika will grow and mature together even beyond their playing years with Ateneo. And Go is glad to have some familiar faces in this journey.
“Of course I’m happy that I get to share this experience with my teammates. Ultimately, this is going to make us better basketball players,” shared Go, who averaged 7.4 points and 5.0 rebounds during the recently-concluded UAAP Season 80 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
“Having Thirdy and Matt here is going to make the transition here a little bit easier because of our familiarity with one another.”
Even with the 2023 FIBA World Cup still five years away, Go plans to work on the physical aspect of his game — not just for Gilas but also for Ateneo.
“First thing’s first is I have to work on my body and to get stronger and faster for the higher level of competition,” he said.
“This last month has allowed my body to recover and to analyse what went well for me and what didn’t this past UAAP season. I have to prepare my body and mind to be the best version of myself come 2023.
“The second aspect of my game I would want to work on is my finishing around the basket, outside shooting, and dribbling. These are the skills I would need to work on to better fit in Coach Chot’s Dribble Drive System. I want to be able to contribute to the team in a variety of different ways,” Go furthered.
First things first however. Starting Monday, January 8, the young pool will be practicing with their senior counterparts. Being a student of the game, Go can’t wait to share the court with the likes of his big brothers June Mar Fajardo, Raymond Almazan, Troy Rosario, and Japeth Aguilar.
“Practicing with the best players in the country is a priceless experience. This is something money can’t buy.
“I hope that I can maximize this opportunity and that I can rise to the challenge and elevate my game,” he closed.
