Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Dave Ildefonso, one of the Philippines’ top young basketball talents, said his decision to switch schools was not borne out of an itch to move to greener pastures.
He did say, though, that it was because of an insatiable desire to improve as an athlete.
“I never thought of it like I needed to move to [another school],” he told reporters recently.
If anything, he is actually thankful that he got to spend time with his father and his older brother, who were also part of the Bulldogs.
It’s just that, somewhere along the way, he felt he got stuck in a rut.
“I feel like I’ve become stagnant with my progress,” said Ildefonso.
The son of PBA great Danny, who played in the last UAAP season for National University, formally announced that he is transferring to Ateneo, a school he helped win a title in high school.
In a post on social media, Ildefonso said the move was to augment his goal “to represent the country in major international meets.”
“I feel that this is the best path to that fulfillment of my dream,” he wrote.
Ildefonso said his yearning for growth began during his stint with the national youth team.
He said Sandy Arespacohocaga would remind him about consistency, and that his game should still be as sharp when he gets back to the Philippines.
“(Coach) said that I should improve everyday, even if it’s just one percent,” the young cager said.
Under the UAAP’s eligibility rules, Ildefonso will have to serve a red shirt year due to his transfer.
But despite taking a year off in the UAAP, he will still have his hands full as he is set to reinforce Mighty Sports Philippines in a tournament in Dubai, and then practice for the national team as part of the 24-man Gilas Pilipinas pool assembled for the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 qualifiers.
“At least I know I can improve in my offseason,” he said.