Ildefonso embracing role as Blue Eaglets mentor

Danny Ildefonso tells the media about his new role as the Ateneo Blue Eaglets’ big man coach. Mark Giongco/INQUIRER.net

For Kai Sotto, standing at 6-foot-9 and only 13 years old, the sky is the limit.

But having high upside is just one thing and reaching that full potential is another.

Fortunately for Sotto, Ateneo has one of the best big men in Philippine basketball to guide its newest high school recruit’s every step.

Danny Ildefonso has joined the Blue Eaglets’ coaching staff as the team’s big man coach just last week and part of his first priorities as mentor is to develop players like Sotto.

“Si tito Danny magaling siya magturo. Idol na idol yun ng daddy ko kaya sabi ng daddy ko, ‘Uy Kai, swerte ka dahil yung big man coach niyo si Danny I. Idol ko yun dati.’ Sumusunod ako kay tito Danny,” Sotto said after making his debut for the Blue Eaglets in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Premiere Cup in an 86-81 loss to San Beda on Saturday at the Arena in San Juan.

READ: 6-foot-9 Sotto debuts for Ateneo, draws praise from mentor Ildefonso

“Everyday din naman kasi ako nasa Ateneo tapos tinuturuan ko rin anak ko tapos yung isa kasi, yung Salazar, isa kasi ako sa reason kung bakit siya pumunta sa Ateneo,” the eight-time PBA champion said, referring to his son Dave and incoming center Sack Salazar. “Nakapangako ako dun sa parents and yun, tsaka, hinahanap ko rin yung basketball.”

Just a year removed from his playing days, Ildefonso is relishing his role as teacher.

“Maganda naman yung welcome ng Ateneo sa akin. Okay naman ako sa mga coaches and masaya ako sa mga bata,” the 39-year-old Ildefonso said.

“Maganda magturo dito sa Ateneo kasi future yan. And kapag naging successful, mabanggit lang pangalan mo okay na yon sakin.”

Ildefonso, though, has no plans of becoming a head coach.

“Hindi ko pinangarap maging head coach. Assistant to the assistant lang,” he said smiling.

And just a week into his official job as skills coach, Ildefonso has already given Sotto some pointers.

“Sabi niya sakin, lagi ko daw itaas yung bola kasi maliliit yung mga kalaban ko,” said Sotto, who had four points and one assist in only six minutes of play.