BASKETBALL remains as one of the country’s most popular sports even during the coronavirus pandemic.
The popularity did not wane even after more than six months of lockdown in sports due to the continuing threat of the virus.
And when sports begin its much-awaited restart under the new normal this month, basketball is first to get the ball rolling.
With basketball making its return, the dreams of young and talented players are back, too.
One of these young players hoping to make it big is Wilhem Josh Go of Talisay City, Cebu Province.
Go, a grade nine student of Sacred Heart School–Ateneo De Cebu, is ready to take the challenge.
“My dreams is to play in national team and become professional player in the PBA,” said the 15-year-old Go when asked about his plans in basketball.
The 6-3 Go admitted it will not be easy, but he is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his dream.
Go, who started to play basketball at the age of 12, said he is working hard to hone his skills by playing regularly under some of the best coaches and the best schools with strong basketball program in Cebu.
To date, his playing resume includes:
— played in University of San Jose
– Recoletos (USJR) when he was grade 6.
— played in Cebu City Meet.
— played in the Milo Olympics.
— played in the Palarong Pambansa.
— played in CABCA, SBP, CVIRAA.
— played in the Cebu Youth Basketball League (CYBL).
— played in Pinoy Youth Dreamers (PYD)
— played in Batang Pinoy.
— played in Milo BEST 2018-2019 and Milo BEST Regional Finals 2018-2019.
It was during his stint with USJR that Go was recruited by multi-titled Cebuano coach Chelito Caro to transfer to Sacred Heart School– Ateneo De Cebu,
With Coach Caro and the Magis Eagles, Go blossomed as one of more successful players in Cebu youth basketball.
“I learned a lot from Coach Caro. He allowed me to play a lot to get enough exposure and gain more confidence,” admitted Go, the middle child of Wilhem Go and Analynn Legaspi.
“Coaches Romel Rasmo, JC Nuyles and Eyu Abellanosa also helped me a lot,”explianed Go, who is part of the CMG2.0 Digital Concept under Executive Director Jose Villaluna.
“Of course, I am very fortunate to have a very supportive family — my father Wilhem, mother Analynn, sister Xihelm Marie and brother John Wilhem ,” said Go, who idolizes Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James and San Miguel Beer guard Terrence Romeo.
“In fact, my father Wilhem gave me my first basketball shoe when he saw me playing basketball with some of my childhood friends.”
“They helped me become a better person, a better basketball player,” claimed Go.
Now, Go hopes to reward his family and friends by fulfilling his dream on and off the hardcourt.
