Dave Ildefonso during an open training with the Jones Cup bound Strong Group Athletics team. –SGA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Dave Ildefonso’s mind is set on the next step in his career and he has his family roots to thank for his decision.
After months of heavy thinking, Ildefonso has made up his mind to declare for the upcoming 2024 PBA Draft, wanting to follow the path of his father and brother’s n the league.
“I don’t have offers abroad and it’s been a dream of mine ever since I saw Tatay (Danny Ildefonso) playing in the PBA in every game. Of course, I want to follow his footsteps and try to achieve what he achieved,” explained the Ateneo product during Strong Group Athletics’ training at Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong on Tuesday.
READ: Dave Ildefonso missing home, weighing options aside from KBL
“Of course, I also want to go against my Kuya (Shaun) so I’ll apply for this upcoming draft. Only problem is I haven’t submitted my application yet.”
Ildefonso will be suiting up for Philippine-side SGA in the upcoming William Jones Cup in Taipei, Taiwan, later this month.
WATCH: Coach Charles Tiu on his Strong Group Athletics stint for the William Jones Cup. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/MNjXxK63FC
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) July 2, 2024
In the build-up to his stint with SGA, his contract with the Suwon KT Sonicboom in the Korean Basketball League expired, leaving him without a next step after his first professional run overseas.
READ: Dave Ildefonso says decision to play in Korea also benefits family, national team
A few months ago though, the younger Ildefonso was seen during a PBA game in support of his older brother Shaun during one of his games with Rain or Shine.
Back then, Dave admitted that he was ”weighing his options” as his contract with Suwon neared its end.
After several consultations, Dave decided that he wasn’t fit to play for the Sonicboom anymore because of his limited minutes.
“As a player, if you’re realizing that you’re not being used in the last year of your expiring contract, you begin to think of the future. What’s next? Plan A or B,” he said. “We (me and Suwon) were trying to negotiate but the team went in a different direction.”
Before the end of his contract with Suwon, they lost the KBL Finals just a few days ago at the hands of KCC Egis in a 4-1 series.