Dave Ildefonso and coach Tab Baldwin share the moment after Ateneo won back the UAAP title. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Ateneo swinger Dave Ildefonso is turning pro after his senior year at UAAP.
But unlike his father and Philippine basketball legend Danny, young Ildefonso will not join the PBA.
Next Ateneo’s 3rd game victory overcome the University of the Philippines to regain the UAAP crown, Ildefonso said he signed with an overseas team but did not specify which league.
“I will not join the draft. I’ve already signed with a team but I won’t say that,” he said as he finished with just two points and five recoveries in his final game.
But sources close to the matter say Ildefonso has agreed to join Suwon KT SonicBooms in the Japan B.League, which already has many Philippine basketball stars like Dwight Ramos, brothers Ravena Kiefer and Thirdy and Bobby Ray Parks Jr.
The 22-year-old Ildefonso averaged 12 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists during the 85th Season.
Ildefonso credited coach Tab Baldwin for helping him develop as a player.
“Coming from NU, I will always think about how he really helped me grow and how he really made me see other invisible things on the court as well.”
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