Meralco Bolts sign Ildefonso for one conference

Danny Ildefonso (left) with Ryan Reyes. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Danny Ildefonso’s presence in Meralco’s bench will give the struggling Bolts a “positive perspective,” which is what the Bolts need more than ever, as they hope to arrest a four-game slide in the PBA Philippine Cup.

Meralco on Friday signed the popular veteran forward to a one-conference contract, and Ildefonso is expected to suit up on Saturday against Air21 as the league resumes from its holiday break.

“He has championship experience and high basketball intelligence. Things that you cannot teach as a basketball coach, but, you learn through time as a basketball player,” Gregorio said in a text message.

Ildefonso, who didn’t get an extension from Petron after the 2012-2013 season, is a welcome progress especially after the Bolts ended 2013 in a tailspin.

“With DI on-board, he gives us a positive perspective on how to win games whether he plays or just by being on the bench. He will definitely improve our locker room atmosphere just by his mere positive attitude,” Gregorio added.

After ending his 15-year relationship with the San Miguel Corporation, the 37-year-old Pangasinan native, who spent the past few years beset by injuries, struggled to immediately find a new home.

Meralco, in fact, took its time before tapping Ildefonso’s services, but Gregorio said that he believes ‘Danny I’ still has “what it takes to compete at a high level in the PBA.”

“He has been aching for teams to give him a venue to display what he has and we are more than willing to provide him with the platform,” he added.