PBA D-League MVP award a surprise for Isaac Go

MANILA, Philippines—Isaac Go has been a silent worker for Ateneo the past few years and he got recognition for consistent effort when he was named MVP of the 2019 PBA D-League.

Cignal-Ateneo went 8-1 in the Aspirants’ Group and had just one loss in the playoffs after it dropped Game 2 of the finals against Centro Escolar University, and much of that success could be attributed to Go.

The Blue Eagles’ jovial big man averaged 9.9 points, on 45 percent shooting, with 4.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists—respectable numbers for someone who plays just 17 minutes a game—but Go never expected to be called for the league’s highest individual honor.

READ: Ateneo big man Isaac Go named 2019 PBA D-League MVP 

“Honestly, I didn’t think I was going to win this because there are many great players out there,” said Go after the Blue Eagles’ 67-52 Game 3 win Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Go beat out teammate Thirdy Ravena and Valencia-City San Sebastian’s Allyn Bulanadi and RK Ilagan for the plum and he even acknowledged that the three could’ve deserved to win as well.

READ: Ateneo closes in on PBA D-League crown, gets back at CEU

“I know Allyn, RK, and even Thirdy had better games and better stats than me so I was really surprised when I got it,” said Go who had five points and five rebounds against the Scorpions.

“This was never my goal to win this, the goal was to win a championship, but this will help me improve as a player, always put my best foot forward, and it’s a bonus.”