Go looks up to Ildefonso, De Ocampo

MANILA, Philippines — Danny Ildefonso and Ranidel de Ocampo are the great PBA players that Isaac Go would try to emulate as he pursues his PBA career while representing the country in international tournaments. 

The 6-foot-7 Go said he looks up to Ildefonso and De Ocampo, hoping he could also reach their level of play in the PBA and while donning the Philippine jersey. 

“Danny I is just what, 6’4 or 6’5 and yet he carved a great PBA and international career,” said this year’s No. 1 draft pick, who is part of Gilas Pilipinas’ 24-man training pool for the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.

“I also look up to Ranidel for international play. He is extremely smart.”

Unlike today’s big men like June Mar Fajardo, Christian Standhardinger, Poy Erram, Raymond Almazan and Greg Slaughter, Go is in a whole different league with a combined shooting, post-moves and systematic approach. 

The soft-spoken Ateneo standout is unfaced of the challenges that lie ahead, knowing that his game will speak for himself when he sees action in the first window of the Qualifiers on Feb. 20 and 23 against Thailand and Indonesia, respectively. 

“The only pressure I have is the pressure I put on myself and to develop and to be the best possible I can be. It will be naïve of me if I say I don’t hear the noise but that only pushes me to be become a better player and to say that I’m worthy of the number one pick and the Gilas call-up,” added Go. 

Working for him is the experience in international play, being part of the Mighty Sports-Philippines that recently won the title in the Dubai International basketball tournament. 

“I got to play against great guys there – Asian legends and American imports. It’s a stepping stone. That’s how I approached that tournament,” he said.

“It’s been an honor to suit up for Mighty and I hope to take the lessons from them and push on my career forward,” added Go.