MANILA – Ateneo Blue Eagles standouts Isaac Go and Nieto twins Matt and Mike have thrown their names in the 2019 PBA Rookie Draft slated on Dec. at Robinsons’ Place in Ermita, Manila.
The 6-foot-8 Go, who was part of Chot Reyes’ “23-for-2023” program for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, said he was excited to move on to the professional ranks after winning three consecutive UAAP championships with the Blue Eagles.
“It feels great and I’m really excited. I’ve worked hard for the last few years to get to this point. It’s my next basketball journey after six years in Ateneo and I’m hopeful for what’s in store,” Go said.
“There is pressure that comes with being a projected top pick, but nothing is set in stone,” he added. “Those are high expectations, but if coach Tab (Baldwin) puts that pressure on you, it means you can achieve it.”
Nieto twins Matt and Mike, for their part, said it will be a realization of childhood dream for them to be selected in the PBA Draft.
“Super excited kami pero at the same time new environment, new culture, and ibang league altogether. Mas paghihirapan namin dito kasi mga idol na kalaban namin dito. And hopefully dito may payoff lahat ng learnings namin galing kay coach Tab (Baldwin) and other assistant coaches from Ateneo,” said Matt.
“Syempre, we’re very excited. It’s gonna be a new atmosphere for us and we’re just gonna promise to the team that drafts us that we’ll give it our best all the time just like that we did in Ateneo,” Mike added.
The entry of Go and the Nieto twins hikes to six the number of former Blue Eagles players that joined the draft aside from Adrian Wong, Vince Tolentino and Aaron Black./PN
