Dave Ildefonso thanks NU, makes Ateneo return official
Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Dave Ildefonso on Monday bid National University goodbye following two seasons with the Bulldogs in the UAAP.
In a post on social media, Ildefonso, one of the best young talents in the country, also made his return to Ateneo de Manila University official.
READ: Dave Ildefonso set for Ateneo homecoming
“A big part of my heart will always belong to the Bulldogs and the NU supporters who were with me and the team through the toughest of times,” Ildefonso, who began his heartfelt message by extending his gratitude to NU team manager Manny Sy, school owner Hans Sy and NU community, wrote on his Twitter account.
“It’s never goodbye. No matter where my basketball journey takes me, I will always carry with me the memories and lessons that I gathered while wearing the NU jersey. NU will always be a part of the person that I will become.”
The 19-year-old Ildefonso played high school basketball at Ateneo and helped the Blue Eaglets win a UAAP juniors title.
Ildefonso also sees his transfer back to Ateneo, which is under the tutelage of Gilas Pilipinas program director Tab Baldwin, as a move that will lead to more stints with the national team.
“I have made the decision to return to Ateneo to continue my basketball journey. My biggest dream has always been to represent the country in major international meets and I feel that this is the best path to that fulfillment of my dream.”
On Friday, the 6-foot-3 Ildefonso was included in the 24-man Gilas Pilipinas pool by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for the Fiba Asia Cup 2021 qualifiers.
💛🐶|💙🦅 pic.twitter.com/sRHCbhhAUP
— Dave Ildefonso (@ildavefonso) January 13, 2020
