It is but normal for any parent-coach to introduce their kids to the sport they love and if they get lucky, their children become so good and usually the peak of their achievement is when they see their kids become members of the national team.
Some I know have kids who were offered scholarships to play golf, like of former Councilor Rachel Zozobrado-Nagayo whose children Ella, 12 and and Daniel, 10, are now in Australia on a golf scholarship. Someday, I may see the day they will be playing for the Philippine golf team in the SEA Games, Asian Games or in the Olympics. Why not Neil Bravo eh?
News of Louis Adrian Go signing up as coach of the Ginebra San Miguel in the PBA warms my heart and makes me very happy. Coach Louis is the son of our dear friend, Adriano “Bong” Go, coach of the multi-titled Sarmiento team in the 1970’s, Ateneo de Davao, De La Salle’s College of St.Benilde, Montana Pawnshop and Davao Eagles.
PSC commissioner Charles Raymond Maxey and his dad, our late editorial consultant Ram are actually die-hard Ginebra San Miguel fans. With coach Louis mentoring their favorite team, the more they will be rooting for this squad. Commissioner Charles on a VIP seat, of course and daddy Ram on a very special seat up in Heaven.
What worries me though is the politics in the PBA.
You see, the late coach Bong Go is one hell of an honest coach who does not compromise. No wonder he easily got along with the late basketball godfather in Davao, Regino “Boy” Cua who in his time has implemented the needed reforms in amateur basketball development in Southern Mindanao region.
Everybody knows in the PBA beat, knows the dominance of San Miguel Corp.-owned squads in our only professional league. But that’s the reality of the game. If you can remember, Tanduay’s Bong Tan left the PBA and our prolific pointguard Joemer Rubi was left with no team and decided to come home to Davao City.
We just hope that coach Louis will have a good run in the PBA, stay there for many, many years, survive the PBA politics, pile up a lot of savings and someday retire comfortably in Davao City.
Well, if Ginebra does not like him anymore, I’m confident that Davao-based Phoenix Petroleum of boss Dondon Uy will be quick to “steal” him. Right my dear friend Beethoven “Ben” Sur?
Anyway, we wish coach Louis all the best as coach of the country’s most popular professional ball club.
You made your Papa Bong Go very happy in Heaven. I can see his tears, happy tears, flowing again. Oh yeah, I saw coach Bong Go cry with happiness, for he is an emotional and honest coach that I’ve worked with, many moons ago.
