Special will be the PBA debut of Shaun Ildefonso.
The 22-year-old is part of the Season 47 curtain-raiser on Sunday as Rain or Shine takes on new member team Converge at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
And it’s going to be a family affair at the Big Dome as the incoming rookie will be up against his dad Danny, who’s part of the FiberXers’ coaching staff.
“Sabi ko lang kay Tatay sa Sunday, wala munang tatay, wala munang anak,” he shared during the league’s Media Day Thursday at Novotel.
“Binibiro ko siya na 1-0 na kami,” he added with a grin.
Turning serious, the younger Ildefonso feels extremely blessed as he’s about to make his PBA debut with his legendary father there to witness such.
Regardless if they are on opposing sides.
Photo by PBA Images
“Sa NU magkasama na kami tapos sa PBA, magkalaban na kami,” he said.
“Kitang-kita naman ng lahat ng tao kung gaano siya ka-proud nung draft. That’s a moment I will carry on forever. Dati pinapanood ko lang siya.
“Kaya naman nag-start ‘yung PBA dream ko dahil sa kanya. To finally achieve that and finally play against him really means a lot,” he added.
Eyes have been on Ildefonso ever since being picked 10th by RoS. He’s aware of expectations, but only vows to do what he needs to the best he can.
“‘Di naman ako ‘yung tao na trying hard too much. I’m the type na kung ano ang kailangan ko gawin, ‘yun muna gagawin ko,” he said. “Bonus na ‘yung iba.
“Sabi ko sa kanila, ‘di kayo magsisisi dahil di ako magkukulang sa extra work, outside ng practice.”
