In his first game against De La Salle University as a full-fledged member of the Ateneo de Manila University seniors team, Dave Ildefonso coasted as if he has been part of the program for years. Transferring from National University in the off-season, Ildefonso returned to Katipunan as its prodigal son.
Producing 12 points, five rebounds, and two assists in 28 minutes of action, the second-generation cager had an evening to remember with the Blue Eagles.
Ildefonso even had some fun of his own when it appeared that he sent a flying kiss to La Salle players in one of his extracurricular activities during the game. And to end the game, he did an ear cup pose to the Green Archers as well.
Apparently, it was not for the Green Archers but for one of his best friends, Joaqui Manuel.
“No, no, no. Para kay Joaqui,” insisted Ildefonso. “That’s for Joaqui. That’s for Joaqui. Okay? That’s for Joaqui. Joaqui and I are just… you know?
“That’s not for anyone in the La Salle (team). That’s only for Joaqui. Only for Joaqui.”
Manuel and Ildefonso have been good buddies since they were both representing Ateneo High School in the UAAP Juniors Division. They were key cogs in the Blue Eaglets’ last title run in Season 80; there, they defeated Nazareth School-National University in the final.
Both Ildefonso and Manuel were teammates as well in Mighty Sports during the Dubai International Basketball Tournament.
Now, as a college player, partaking in his first rivalry game under its current circumstances was probably unimaginable. There were no supporters in the venue and each coach, athlete, and game official have to be in a bubble to compete. Nonetheless, the action on the court did not suffer one bit.
“The atmosphere was great during this Ateneo-La Salle game. A lot of fans,” quipped Ildefonso, who had 12 points against La Salle. “It was great. The competition was just alive especially when you play against La Salle in Ateneo. Blue hates green. Green hates blue.
“But sa akin, off-court, it’s all love and just competition on-court.”
Now up 4-0 in the standings with a 30-game winning streak, the Blue Eagles know that they continue to have a big target on their backs. They will always say that they take it one game at a time and it does not matter who they face.
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