By REYNALD MAGALLON
Isaac Go is eager to return to the court and repay Barangay Ginebra’s trust after signing a one-year contract extension with the team.
The 6-foot-8 center has been sidelined for nearly a year after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, and he is expected to remain out until around February.
That’s why Go is especially grateful to Ginebra’s management for believing in him and viewing him as an important part of the team’s future
“Grateful ako na they put their trust in me, giving me a one-year extension and they feel like I could possibly help the team,” said Go.
“Excited to get back. Gusto kong i-sukli ‘yung trust nila sa akin na they traded for me, hindi ko pa napakita kung ano ang kaya kong gawin. That’s what I’m really excited for, reward the trust na binigay sa akin na they got me and gave me a one-year extension,” he added.
This was already Go’s second ACL injury, so it’s only natural that his camp is proceeding with extra caution this time. The timing was especially unfortunate, as he was just beginning to find his rhythm in head coach Tim Cone’s triangle offense.
Go was acquired by Ginebra in a blockbuster trade with Terrafirma, which also brought in Stephen Holt and a draft pick that turned out to be RJ Abarrientos. In exchange, the Kings sent Christian Standhardinger, Stanley Pringle, and another pick that became Mark Nonoy.
Go managed to play only seven games before suffering the injury.
As of now, he has yet to be cleared for any basketball activities, including running. While he isn’t rushing his return, Go admitted that it’s been tough watching from the sidelines — especially after Ginebra fell short in back-to-back finals appearances last season.
“Laki talaga ng gigil (to return to play),“ said Go.
“People always play down na I’ll always make it next year. You’ll never know eh, when you are there, you want to grab the chance, whether semis or finals, but also understanding that it is a process. There is no point in rushing back. This is just going to cause problems for everybody.”
Still, despite being limited to a supporting role on the sidelines, Go said Ginebra’s two Finals appearances gave him valuable experience that he hopes to draw from once he returns to action.
“I got to pick the brains of the vets and the team on how to approach a seven-game series. College, wala naman ganun. Three games lang, at most. Iba ‘yung structure ng PBA playoffs.
So to finally experience it, at least hindi na ako mabibigla even though I’m not playing,” he added.
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