PBA: Dave Ildefonso ‘very excited’ to play for NorthPort

Dave Ildefonso.–Photo from SGA

MANILA, Philippines—Dave Ildefonso is currently hard at work with Strong Group Athletics in the 43rd William Jones Cup in Taiwan but he can’t wait to join his new team back home.

Ildefonso couldn’t contain his excitement after being selected by Northport in the 2024 PBA Draft as the fifth over.

“I’m very excited for my new PBA team actually because I’m really happy Northport selected me with the fifth pick so I’m really looking forward to repay their trust because I have a high order as the fifth pick and I’m really happy. I’m actually surprised that they picked me,” said Ildefonso in a video posted by Strong Group Athletics on Facebook.

READ: Dave Ildefonso to declare for PBA Draft with dad, bro in mind

“I’m really hungry and waiting for the season to start to compete with other PBA teams and friends I have in the PBA.”

Apart from competing against his friends in the PBA, Ildefonso will also go up against his older brother Shaun, who’s found a role at Rain or Shine. He will also be on the other side opposite his father and PBA legend Danny, who is an assistant coach at Converge.

But that will have to wait with Ildefonso still playing in the Jones Cup, where Strong Group is undefeated through six games.

READ: Dave Ildefonso joins Strong Group team for Jones Cup

The 24-year-old Ildefonso, who decided to play in the PBA after suiting up for the Suwon KT Sonicboom in the Korean Basketball League, is averaging 5.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists in the Jones Cup.

“Obviously, my goal is to help the team win the Jones Cup so I’ll do whatever it takes and whatever coach Charles (Tiu) and the others ask of me when I’m inside the court.”

“Hopefully it [SGA run] will be good for me when the season comes.”