Looking to fill in the team’s huge hole in the middle, the Columbian Dyip decided to go with Ateneo slotman Isaac Go with the number one overall pick in the 2019 PBA Draft’s Gilas portion, Sunday.
Go’s size, along with his deadly three-point shot and remarkable IQ will be a huge boost for Columbian, who currently has Jay-R Reyes, Andreas Cahilig, Jackson Corpuz, and Eric Camson.
“We really needed a stretch five and he’s a smart player. And I think he’s very big for us because he can shoot from the outside and he’s a high IQ player,” said Columbian head coach Johnedel Cardel, moments after the PBA draft.
Besides Go’s natural gifts, Cardel believes that the product of Xavier has what it takes to lead the young Columbian squad.
“I think he can become a leader of this team.”
For Go’s part, being selected by a PBA team is already a huge win for him. But to get picked number one overall and be part of Gilas Pilipinas’ program? Well, he’s just glad that the special draft came in line with his decision to enter the pro ranks.
“It’s an incredible feeling. I never imagined in my wildest dream that [I’ll be] in this position. I’m just grateful, and I’m really excited,” shared Go, who finished his UAAP career with three championships under his belt.
“It’s always an honor to don the blue and white…. blue and white for the Philippines. And really there’s no way to describe the feeling I’m having. It coincided with my plan to enter the PBA and it’s just incredible really, and I’m just really blessed to have this opportunity to do everything,”
Now, with the ball already in his court, the reigning D-League Aspirants Cup MVP vows to shrug off all the pressure and turn it into something positive. Moreover, the Ateneo lifer is eager to prove his worth to the man that made him the top overall pick.
And he just can’t wait to hit the court with his new squad.
“Of course, it’s challenging because there’s always a pressure that people put up just because it’s usually in the number one overall [pick]. I kinda feel the pressure a bit but I’m trying… I’m excited, I’m more excited than pressure to perform and to show that the number one pick was worth it.”
