UAAP: Center Isaac Go commits to Ateneo

Xavier School big man Isaac Go has committed to play for Ateneo in the UAAP, but stressed the decision was not based purely on basketball.

The national youth team stalwart said he decided to go to Ateneo not for the prestige that comes with playing for the multi-titled Blue Eagles, but to pursue a college degree.

“I want to continue my education after Xavier,” was Go’s quick reply when asked by Spin.ph on why he chose Ateneo over other schools.

The 6'6" Go applied for a Bachelor of Science in Management of Applied Chemistry degree after passing the Ateneo College Entrance Test (ACET).

“I want a Math or Science-related course. But I didn’t want to get quota courses so that [Applied Chemistry] seemed to be a good course,” said Go.

While Go is determined to pursue a college education, he made it clear he also wants to shine as a player, following his stints with the national youth team.

Ateneo’s successful basketball program, which has produced a long line of quality big men, was also a major consideration in his decision to go to Ateneo, the big man said.

“Ateneo has a lot of good big men like Nico Salva, Greg Slaughter, and Rabeh Al-Hussaini. I believe that if I work hard, I can actually be better than them,” said Go, who already attended Ateneo practices and tune-up games even before he officially expressed commitment to join the Blue Eagles last Saturday.

Go should have a good chance of landing a spot in the Blue Eagles' roster, which is in need of big men following the departure at the end of last season by JP Erram and Frank Golla.

He stood out as one of the premier rebounders in the Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association (MMTLBA). Go was also selected to play in the Seaoil NBTC High School All-Star Game which featured the top junior players in the country.

Asked about his chances of making the Ateneo team for the UAAP, Go said, “I don’t want to put it that way. As long as I continue to work hard and improve, then I can make the team.”

“Ateneo’s winning program will help me get better,” he added.

Still, Go stressed academics comes first.

“Sa Xavier kasi, academics first so I hope to bring that to Ateneo,” said Go.

The last Xavier School product to stand out as a Blue Eagle was Chris Tiu, a former Gilas player, currently in the PBA with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. - Reuben Terrado, SPIN