ISAAC Go was given a one-year extension by Barangay Ginebra after being out for nearly a year due to an ACL injury, and he is excited to repay the trust of management despite the long injury layoff.
Go said he looks forward to the day that he will be finally be cleared by doctors to participate in Ginebra practice.
“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,” Go said in an interview with the PBA Press Corps on Thursday arranged by his handler Titan Management Group.
READ Isaac Go signs one-year contract extension with Ginebra
“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,” said the former Ateneo standout.
The 29-year-old Go has been out since September 13 in Barangay Ginebra’s game against Rain or Shine during the Philippine Cup. He was later diagnosed with an ACL injury, the second of his career.
He only played for seven games with the Gin Kings after being acquired, along with Stephen Holt, in a trade from Terrafirma for Stanley Pringle and Christian Standhardinger.
Go’s return is still to be determined as he is scheduled for a check-up with doctors soon, hoping that he gets cleared to practice with Ginebra.
“We will have a check-up next week. The process naman is okay. It’s been good. Hopefully, I get a clearance to run and jump a little bit soon. But we will see what the doctors will say and how long I’ll be out,” said Go.
The 6-foot-7 Go is in no hurry to come back as he wants a complete recovery from his injury.
'No point in rushing back'
“Laki talaga ng gigil. 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 cost problems for everybody.”
While being on the sidelines, Go also got a better understanding of the PBA and the environment during the playoffs where Ginebra is a perennial contender. The Gin Kings reached the finals twice during the 49th season, losing to TNT in the Governors’ Cup and Commissioner’s Cup.
“At the same time, it’s a learning process. 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.
"To finally experience it, at least hindi na ako mabibigla even though I’m not playing. Hopefully, madala ko ‘yung learnings next year, moving forward,” said Go.
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