Tag: Dave

Dave Ildefonso to declare for PBA Draft with his dad, bro in mind

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Dave Ildefonso during an open training with the Jones Cup bound Strong Group Athletics team. –SGA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Dave Ildefonso’s mind is set on the next step in his career and he has his family roots to thank for his decision.

After months of heavy thinking, Ildefonso has made up his mind to declare for the upcoming 2024 PBA Draft, wanting to follow the path of his father and brother’s n the league.

“I don’t have offers abroad and it’s been a dream of mine ever since I saw Tatay (Danny Ildefonso) playing in the PBA in every game. Of course, I want to follow his footsteps and try to achieve what he achieved,” explained the Ateneo product during Strong Group Athletics’ training at Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong on Tuesday.

READ: Dave Ildefonso missing home, weighing options aside from KBL

“Of course, I also want to go against my Kuya (Shaun) so I’ll apply for this upcoming draft. Only problem is I haven’t submitted my application yet.”

Ildefonso will be suiting up for Philippine-side SGA in the upcoming William Jones Cup in Taipei, Taiwan, later this month.

In the build-up to his stint with SGA, his contract with the Suwon KT Sonicboom in the Korean Basketball League expired, leaving him without a next step after his first professional run overseas.

READ: Dave Ildefonso says decision to play in Korea also benefits family, national team

A few months ago though, the younger Ildefonso was seen during a PBA game in support of his older brother Shaun during one of his games with Rain or Shine.

Back then, Dave admitted that he was ”weighing his options” as his contract with Suwon neared its end.

After several consultations, Dave decided that he wasn’t fit to play for the Sonicboom anymore because of his limited minutes.



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“As a player, if you’re realizing that you’re not being used in the last year of your expiring contract, you begin to think of the future. What’s next? Plan A or B,” he said. “We (me and Suwon) were trying to negotiate but the team went in a different direction.”

Before the end of his contract with Suwon, they lost the KBL Finals just a few days ago at the hands of KCC Egis in a 4-1 series.

Dave Ildefonso Strong Group team for Jones Cup

On: By: admin


FILE–Dave Ildefonso is joining the Strong Group-Pilipinas for the Jones Cup. Photo from Suwon KT Sonicboom

MANILA, Philippines — Dave Ildefonso is reuniting with his Ateneo teammate Ange Kouame as he completes the Strong Group-Pilipinas roster for the 43rd William Jones Cup from July 13 to 21, 2024 in Taipei, Taiwan.

Ildefonso, armed with his two-year experience in the Korean Basketball League with Suwon KT, on Saturday was welcomed by the Philippine club, which also tapped UAAP Season 84 Kouame as one of its many foreign players.

“I’m really excited to be on the same team with Ange again,” said Ildefonso, who will be playing with the Gilas naturalized center for the first time since winning the UAAP Season 85. “I know what he can bring to the team and how valuable he is as a player. He’ll definitely have a big role to play for SGA.”

READ: Dave Ildefonso missing home, weighing options aside from KBL

Ildefonso, the son of PBA legend and Converge assistant coach Danny, will be teaming up with overseas players Kiefer Ravena, Angelo Kouame, Rhenz Abando, Jordan Heading, and RJ Abarrientos.

“My top priority in joining SGA is to help the team which is being handled by one of my friends in Ateneo Jacob (Lao) win the championship in any way possible,” said the KBL Asian import. “Representing the country is always a privilege, and I intend to make the most of an opportunity like this.”

DJ Fenner, Chris McCollough, Caelan Tiongson, and Tajuan Agee will reinforce the Filipinos, who will also be represented by young guns Jonathan Manalili, Allen Liwag, and Tony Ynot.

READ: Kouame, Abarrientos boost Strong Group’s Jones Cup roster

Ildefonso is also reuniting with Strong Group coach Charles Tiu, who previously coached him in the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup and the Dubai International Basketball Tournament in 2020 under the Mighty Sports banner. 

“I’ve always been a fan of Dave’s game,” said Tiu. “I’m looking forward to seeing the improvement in his game from his time abroad. Hopefully, we can help boost his confidence for his next career step.”



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