The Ildefonsos were literally everywhere in National University’s debut 75-70 win over the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers in the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
With father and PBA legend Danny manning the sidelines as an assistant coach to Jamike Jarin, brother Dave and Shaun took the lead for the Bulldogs. In his UAAP seniors debut, Dave tallied a team-high 19 points to go with seven rebounds, while Shaun sparked a third quarter outburst, scoring all of his 10 points in the period.
This was the first time all three basketball-inclined Ildefonsos found themselves on the same team. The trio want to translate their family bond into success for the Sampaloc-based program.
“You don’t get to play in the UAAP all your life. Grabe. The Lord’s amazing. Hopefully, we get to produce more in the next games,” reflected the elder of the two brothers Shaun, who transferred from the Ateneo Blue Eagles and scored his first basket in the UAAP against UST.
“There’s a lot more we need to improve. We’re just very thankful we got the win,” added Dave, one of the pivotal players who booked Batang Gilas’ ticket to the 2019 FIBA U-19 World Cup.
Playing with their father as one of the coaches gives the brothers more opportunities to improve.
“Well, siyempre, ang daming sermon through the process. But, first UAAP ko, ang sarap maglaro with him,” said Dave.
“It’s better now. Nakikita niyang talagang sineseryoso namin ‘yung mga kailangang gawin. May times na he has to push us talaga kasi malaki ‘yung pressure sa amin. Malaki ‘yung responsibility namin,” added Shaun.
“He’s pushing us the most he’s ever pushed us because this is the UAAP. This is the biggest stage we’ve played.”
The former two-time PBA Most Valuable Player acknowledges the difficulty of his situation, having to coach his sons.
“Actually, mahirap sa sitwasyon ko kasi kailangan kong ipakita ko sa mga anak na coach ang turing sa akin at turing ko sa kanila ‘yung regular player. Dapat hindi lumulabas ‘yung as a father sa loob,” said the San Miguel Beermen icon.
“Since before napag-usapan na namin ni coach Jamike (Jarin) na ‘wag kang magpapatawag na tatay sa loob ng court.”
Having been through all the highs and lows in his storied basketball career, Danny is thankful that his sons continue to trust him with their career.
“As a father, siyempre, gusto ko mag-excel sila. Sabi ko nga, it’s an answered for all of us sa family. Very thankful ako na nagtitiwala sila sa akin. May time na hihiwalay kayo sa akin. Pero ngayon, dahil basketball ang gusto niyo, magtiwala kayo sa akin.”
