Int’l stint a factor in Ildefonso’s Ateneo return

Dave Ildefonso will be spreading his wings at Ateneo next season. —SHERWIN VARDELEON

With an eye toward bolstering his chances at representing the country in major international events, Dave Ildefonso is set for a homecoming at Ateneo, following two seasons playing for National U in the UAAP.

Multiple sources told the Inquirer that the former Ateneo juniors star and son of PBA legend Danny Ildefonso has already asked permission from NU to leave the Bulldogs to return to Ateneo and play for coach Tab Baldwin, who was appointed last year as the director of the Gilas Pilipinas program.

“It’s being finalized this weekend, but he’s already made the decision [to return to Ateneo],” said the source, who is privy to the process of Ildefonso’s move.

The Bulldogs had attempted to convince Ildefonso to stay as he still has three more years of eligibility, with no less than NU chair Hans Sy meeting with the young star last Wednesday. But a coaching revamp that also saw his father, an assistant coach, get the boot forced Dave to rethink his situation. Moreover, another source close to the cager told the Inquirer, Ildefonso is looking to develop his game under Baldwin in the hopes of increasing his chances for call-ups to the national team.

Goldwyn Monteverde has taken over the Bulldogs coaching job, replacing Jamike Jarin. Dave’s older brother, Shaun, however, will be playing out his final year of eligibility for the Bulldogs next season.

Sources also confirmed that the younger Ildefonso also met with Baldwin late last month.

Baldwin tried to recruit Ildefonso two years ago following a stellar high school career where he was named to the Mythical Five and won a UAAP juniors championship with several current Ateneo players like SJ Belangel.