PBA: Finding his footing, Shaun Ildefonso shows up big for Rain or Shine

Rain or Shine’s Shaun Ildefonso in the PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Rain or Shine had a lot of reasons to smile on Friday following its victory over NLEX in the PBA Philippine Cup at Philsports Arena on Friday.

For one, the Elasto Painters clinched an outright playoff berth after dominating NLEX, 120-104.

That, and young gun Shaun Ildefonso is slowly finding his footing as a hybrid guard-forward for coach Yeng Guiao– an unfamiliar position for him considering his stature during his collegiate days.

READ: PBA: Pressure just another word for ‘simple man’ Shaun Ildefonso

I’m only 6’1, I played the four or the five sometimes in NU (National University) from high school to college. So coming into the PBA, I really had to transition to a guard. It took time and I’m still in the process of evolving into that type of player but there’s progress,” said Ildefonso in Filipino.

“When I first experienced being under coach Yeng (Guiao), he told me and Nic Demusis that if we don’t improve our shooting then we’ll bounce from one team to another. So that was I challenge for me, but I didn’t see try improve my shooting but also all aspects of my game.”

Rain or Shine’s Shaun Ildefonso and coach Yeng Guiao. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/v7680GUxAh

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Ildefonso powered Rain or Shine to an exemplary 6-5 record at the end of their elimination round with 14 points and three rebounds.

In only 15 minutes of action, the former Bulldog flaunted his efficiency, sinking five of his eight tries from the field for a scorching 62 percent field goal shooting clip.

His slow but steady improvements, of course, didn’t go unnoticed by Guiao.

“Shaun’s had big improvements. Sometimes I talk to him and tell him what he needs to add to his game and he’s hard working. His energy is boundless, he’s always hyper… I don’t know what he drinks, maybe he gets that [energy] from all his protein drinks,” said the veteran tactician in jest.

“His energy’s contagious, we’re all very happy with him because he has an exuberant personality,” he added.

Rain or Shine’s Shaun Ildefonso in the PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES

During Danny’s, Shaun’s dad, prime years in the PBA, he would throw down tantalizing and breathtaking dunks that put people in attendance in awe.

It took him quite a while, but Shaun finally recorded his first in-game dunk, just like his father would usually do, on Friday.

In the dying seconds of an already-decided game with Elasto Painters leading by 16, 118-102, with 33 seconds remaining, the NU product braced for a high jump and let all thoughts go upon takeoff.

“ I told Santi, ‘I want to dunk.’ I really told him that and I saw 30 seconds left. I thought, ‘if I shoot it will the other team or coach get mad?’ so I just told myself, I’ll just go for it.”

“Every day, I’ve been planning that scenario in my head that I want to dunk and it’s my first dunk in the PBA and thank God it happened. No one got mad too! Plus I’m the Best Player of the Game, surprisingly. That’s an added bonus.”

It was a key career moment for Shaun that Guiao, of course, had to take a little jab.

“Parang mas importante pa ‘yong dunk sa panalo, eh (It’s like his dunk’s more important than the win) … Napunta na do’n ‘yong usapan,” said a laughing Guiao.