Navigating Challenges: Ildefonso Discusses His Future in the PBA
In an exclusive interview with ALL-STAR, Dave Ildefonso, one of the Philippines’ up-and-coming basketball stars, shared his thoughts on his journey thus far and his aspirations for a future in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). With a successful college basketball career under his belt at National University (NU) and Ateneo, followed by a stint in the Korean Basketball League (KBL), Ildefonso is poised to potentially make a significant impact in the PBA.
Reflecting on his aspirations, Ildefonso expressed a strong desire to play in the PBA, stating, “I see myself playing here in the PBA, eventually kasi I can’t stay away from home for a long time. I did Korea and everything, pero I still want to be able to play abroad din. Pero it’s never [going to] be a no naman, kasi syempre I would still want to play in the PBA to try to continue or at least match what my dad did, kahit mahirap ‘yon. But I just like being at home.”
This sentiment showcases both his dedication to his roots and his desire to honor the legacy of his father, Danny Ildefonso, a multiple-time PBA champion and MVP, often revered as one of the greatest players in the league’s history.
In the context of his relationship with NorthPort, the team that selected him in the first round of the 2024 PBA Draft, Ildefonso recounted his last discussions with the organization, noting the uncertainty surrounding his eventual signing.
“As far as I remember. Kami na ‘yung last message [sa text messages]. And ang alam ko talaga is they would get back to us. Then, nagkaroon nung whole fiasco,” he mentioned, indicating complications in the negotiation process.
Addressing the altercation involving his father and NorthPort’s team governor, Erick Arejola, Ildefonso maintained a clear separation from the events, stating, “For me naman, I wasn’t there, so I can’t really speak my opinion about it. So siguro that’s with my dad and Boss Erick. For me naman, I have no opinion about it. I don’t know what happened exactly.”
With rumors swirling regarding a potential trade request, Ildefonso shared his perspective candidly. “I don’t know if I could really request for a trade if I didn’t play. I don’t really have a contract, I only signed the rights, like on draft day. So, for me, kung mapaguusapan naman nang maayos, bakit hindi? If the best thing for both parties is to trade, so why not give it a go?”
He also addressed financial concerns that have been raised, emphasizing the challenges athletes face in managing their short-lived careers. “I mean, lahat naman ng basketball players, they want to play basketball in the PBA. Basketball players want to be happy in where they’re playing at, and okay din ‘yung pay nila… For me, I want to be able to capture that opportunity na rin, kasi short-live talaga eh,” he explained.
Ildefonso clarified that while compensation is a factor, it is not the sole reason for his current standing with NorthPort. He also noted that rumors about him demanding half a million pesos a month is not true.
As he looks to the future, Ildefonso is adamant about his passion for basketball, remarking, “Oo naman, kasi I don’t know anything other than basketball. Kahit na nung nagsschool ako, tinuturuan ako ng Math, basketball nasa isip ko. So, I don’t really do anything else.”
As he navigates the challenges ahead, both in negotiating with NorthPort and pursuing his PBA dreams, his determination to honor his father’s legacy while defining his own path will resonate with fans and aspiring players alike.