Shaun Ildefonso could not believe he was chosen at 10th overall by Rain or Shine in the PBA Season 47 Draft on Sunday that he went straight to his Tatay Danny right after gracing the stage with people from the ball club.
His dad, himself one of Philippine basketball’s all-time greats, was there at the Robinsons Place Manila to, of course, show support to his son.
“To be the tenth pick, it really means a lot.
“After nun, dumiretso ako kay tatay. Iyak ako nang iyak. I have no words,” said the National University product.
One can’t put the 22-year-old at fault for being so overwhelmed. Even before the drafting took place, he had already received such a big blessing.
About 30 minutes prior to the proceedings, Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes announced four names that will be added to the national team pool — Javi Gomez de Liano, Gian Mamuyac, Justin Arana, and Ildefonso.
Photo by PBA Images
The 6-foot-2 winger never expected that he would be included in the Nationals’ training roster and get an opportunity to play for flag and country some time in the future — something that his father had done many times in the past.
“‘Di ko in-expect yung Gilas,” he said. “Pinagdasal ko talaga na whatever happens today, at the end of the day no regrets kasi alam ko binigay ko lahat.
“Sinabi ko talaga sa sarili ko na naniniwala ako sa sarili ko, sa craft ko. Indescribable siya. Gilas ito. Yun talaga, di ako magkukulang. I have no words. This feeling is surreal.”
Now, it’s all about showing that he deserves all that he received this very evening, beginning with the team that took a chance on him.
Photo by PBA Images
“I believe na whatever hard work you do, ire-reward ka ni God. I believe na I’m here for a reason,” he said. “Whatever happens, ‘di ako magkukulang.
“‘Yun ang ma-promise ko sa kanila, the intangibles, kung kailangan nila ng role player, whatever, ‘di ako magkukulang doon.”
