When the announcer inside the Ynares Sports Arena declared Isaac Go the 2019 PBA D-League Most Valuable Player, he had a look of genuine shock on his face.
“When they were announcing the nominees, I didn’t really expect myself to be called out. And then I got called out and I was like, okay. Then, boom,” shared Go.
“I was surprised they called me out again as the winner.”
The sweet-shooting big man took home the coveted individual plum after besting his Cignal-Ateneo teammate Thirdy Ravena, as well as the Valencia City, Bukidnon-San Sebastian tandem of RK Ilagan and Allyn Bulanadi.
Go’s averages of 9.9 points and 4.9 rebounds were lower than the trio with Ravena norming 14.2 points, of 5.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game; Ilagan averaging 20.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.2 steals per contest; and Bulanadi posting numbers of 20.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks this conference.
“Honestly, I didn’t think I was gonna win this. There are other many great players out there like Allyn Bulanadi, RK Ilagan, even Thirdy had better games than me, had better stats than me,” said Go.
But as happy as he is over the award, the 22-year-old made it known that winning honors isn’t on top of his list. “This was never my goal – to win this. It’s always to win the championship, improve as a player; always put my best foot forward.
“It’s a bonus.”
Go’s sights are locked on helping Cignal-Ateneo win this year’s developmental league title. And they have moved to just a win away after beating the CEU Scorpions, 67-52, in Game Three of the best-of-three series.
The 23 for 2023 Gilas Pilipinas Cadet member said that he’s going to enjoy the award first before going back to work.
“It’s nice to have. Yes. I was surprised. It was a nice surprise to have this, as you saw I was shocked that I got it. I’ll enjoy it,” he said.
“But then we have another game on Tuesday. We have practice this weekend, getting focused for that.”
