Heading into the 2024 PBA Draft, Dave Ildefonso had zero expectations.
In fact, the son of multiple-time PBA MVP Danny was already bracing himself to fall to the second round.
But much to his surprise, the 6-foot-1 wing was the fifth overall selection by Northport.
“I’m very excited for my new PBA team. I’m happy that Northport selected me as the fifth pick. I’m looking forward to repaying their trust because they picked me so high. I was really surprised that they picked me,” he said in a social media post by Strong Group Athletics.
The past two years have been tough for the UAAP Season 85 champion.
After playing out his final year with Ateneo de Manila University, he quickly signed with KBL club Suwon KT.
However, he only saw limited minutes with the Sonicboom, playing in just 44 games over two years.
Needing a change of scenery, he joined Strong Group for the 43rd William Jones Cup.
It was a much-needed confidence boost for the 24-year-old.
“SGA really helped me a lot to get more runs under my legs and more wind in my lungs. I really needed the games and the runs. It really helped me prepare for the PBA,” expressed Ildefonso, who is averaging 5.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in the Jones Cup.
Now, Ildefonso and Strong Group are just two games away from giving the Philippines its seventh Jones Cup title.
Before heading to the PBA, Ildefonso wants to be a champion first.
“My goal right now is to help the team and Coach Charles (Tiu) win the Jones Cup. I’m going to do whatever it takes and do whatever is needed of me on the court,” he said.
“I’m just excited to bring this experience with me into the upcoming PBA season.”
