By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Gilas Pilipinas’ center Isaac Go will try to lead the team heading into the third window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers after being named team captain.
Previously, it was scoring swingman Rey Suerte who was appointed by head coach Tab Baldwin as team captain but his injury will keep him on the sidelines for almost three weeks.
Go’s leadership with the Ateneo Blue Eagles became the main reason leading to the decision of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
Through Ateneo’s historic three-year championship run, it was Thirdy Ravena and Go who provided leadership and toughness whenever their teammates needed a little bit of lift and motivation.
Go is also one of the pioneers of the young core formed by coach Baldwin to be used as a developmental squad for future international tournaments.
Rising to the occasion last Manama bubble, Go’s leadership together with co-Atenean point guard Matt Nieto proved to be the catalysts whenever PH needed to buckle things up and make a run.
Gilas Pilipinas is currently holding a 3-0 record in Group A and is sitting at the no. 1 spot behind Korea and Indonesia.
If coach Baldwin and his boys win one more out of their remaining three games, they will automatically advance to the next round.
