MANILA — Spitfire combo guard Dave Ildefonso confirmed on Monday night that he will move out of National University to Ateneo.
Ildefonso, the son of Philippine Basketball Association legend Danny, took to social media his transfer decision.
“I have made the decision to return to Ateneo to continue my basketball journey,” said Ildefonso, who played for the Blue Eaglets in high school play.
Following his stellar career in Ateneo High School, Ildefonso made a surprise jump to NU to join his father, who was then a part of Jamike Jarin’s coaching staff, and older brother Shaun.
With the Bulldogs, Ildefonso played as if he has been a veteran in the collegiate game, leading the team in scoring in two seasons.
Unfortunately, NU couldn’t make the UAAP Final Four in the said seasons, and last year even saw the team crashing to the bottom of the standings.
Jarin eventually resigned as head coach with Goldwyn Monteverde stepping in, but Danny Ildefonso was also relieved of his assistant coaching duties, eventually leading to Dave’s decision to transfer.
“It’s never goodbye. No matter where my basketball journey takes me, I will always carry with me the memories and lessons I gathered while wearing the NU jersey,” he said. “NU will always be a part of the person that I will become.”
The Gilas Pilipinas Youth member then bared that he wants to continue playing for the national team, which also factored in his decision to join the Blue Eagles.
“My biggest basketball dream has always been to represent the country in major international meets, and I feel that this is the best path to that fulfillment of my dream,” said Ildefonso, who was recently named to the Gilas Men pool for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers February window.
He will need to redshirt the upcoming Season 83 and will become eligible to play by Season 84 next year.
He still has three playing years left in his eligibility.
Shaun Ildefonso, on the other hand, decided to stay and play out his final year with the Bulldogs. (PNA)
