Right from the tip-off of the National University Bulldogs’ game against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, Dave Ildefonso knew something was wrong.
The 6-foot-3 swingman was expecting 5-foot-10 floor general Anton Asistio to be the one guarding him. Instead, he got 6-foot-3 forward and UAAP Season 80 Men’s Basketball Finals Most Valuable Player Thirdy Ravena manning him.
“I thought si Anton kukuha sa akin tapos si JLC [John Lloyd Clemente] kay Thirdy, tapos every time kukuha ako ng bola, parang nagka-clog yung defense sa akin sa loob. So I thought kelangan ko tumira ng ball sa labas or release the ball quick,” recalled the 18-year-old rookie.
But that was just the start of a long night for Ildefonso. The Blue Eagles continued to throw body after body at him. As the dust settled, Ildefonso finished with just four points on 2-for-8 shooting while committing four turnovers. And it’s because Tab Baldwin wanted to prove a point.
“I think that we wanted Dave to rethink that decision – or perhaps in hindsight, wonder why he made that decision,” Baldwin disclosed after Ateneo’s 72-46 beatdown of NU.
Once the second-generation Nationalian heard about Baldwin’s words, he downplayed them, saying that he has no regrets for the decision he and his brother Shaun did.
“I don’t think I made the wrong decision in switching schools,” Ildefonso shared.
“Whatever statement they were sending me, I didn’t get it.
“First game, rookie year, no pressure at all. I’m bouncing back, yun lang,” he vowed.
Ildefonso cited Blue Eaglets teammate SJ Belangel as an example. Belangel, an elite point guard in the juniors ranks, is currently a bench player for Ateneo. And if he had decided to stay in Katipunan, he thinks that he would have been dealt the same cards.
“Isipin mo si SJ limited minutes, kung nag-stay ako dun, mas lalo na ako, mas limited.
“I think I made the right decision, coach Tab, right decision and I’ll see you soon,” he added.
Still, Ildefonso has no qualms over Baldwin’s statement.
“Wala. Wala. I’m not thinking about that.
“I’m just thinking about Adamson next, trying to bounce back, be a better player, be a better team, and have better chemistry with my teammates,” he asserted.
