Isaac Go was cooling down from his morning jog on Saturday when his phone started buzzing.
He had just been traded to Ginebra.
Just like everyone else, the 6-foot-7 big man from Ateneo de Manila University only learned about the blockbuster trade between Terrafirma and Ginebra, which also involved other former top overall picks Christian Standhardinger, Stanley Pringle, and Stephen Holt, around 9:30 in the morning.
“Very surprised. I found out at the same time and in the same way everyone else did,” he shared with Tiebreaker Times.
“Nagkapag-jogging nga ako before the news broke.”
(C) PBA Images
On Friday evening, there were already hints on social media that Standhardinger had bid farewell to Ginebra.
Less than 12 hours later, the trade was consummated, ending Go’s three-year stint with the Dyip.
It had been a long three years for the 28-year-old big man at Terrafirma, which picked him as the first overall pick in the 2019 draft.
Only arriving at the Terrafirma camp in early February 2022, Go ended up playing just 33 games there.
Go sat out for almost a year after tearing his ACL during a game against Terrafirma back in May 2022.
He only returned last season but didn’t miss a beat.
In fact, during the Philippine Cup, Go averaged 11.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 blocks per contest.
There will be pressure on Go to deliver as he replaces beloved Ginebra big man Christian Standhardinger.
Nonetheless, he feels excited for what lies ahead.
“Very excited. We all know the history of Ginebra and being able to play under Coach Tim, the winningest coach in PBA history, you can’t help but get excited.”
