By Kristel Satumbaga
Dave Ildefonso ended speculations Monday night by confirming his transfer from National University to Ateneo in the coming UAAP season.
In a lengthy Instagram post, the 6-foot-2 shooting guard thanked his former bosses at NU for the support given to him and announced his decision to continue his collegiate career to where he started.
“I would like to thank first and foremost Sir Manny Sy and Sir Hans Sy for all the support they gave throughout my stay in NU,” Ildefonso said. “A big part of my heart will always belong to the Bulldogs and the NU supporters who were with me and the team through the toughest of times.”
“I have made the decision to return to Ateneo to continue my basketball journey.”
Ildefonso said his decision to transfer would help him reach further his dreams of playing for the national team in the future.
“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,” he said.
One of the brightest talents in the collegiate ranks, the 19-year-old son of PBA legend Danny Ildefonso has played for NU the last two seasons.
The elder Ildefonso, a two-time PBA MVP, was the biggest star NU has ever produced in years.
He was part of the coaching staff the past two years but left the team when NU hired Goldwin Monteverde as the team’s coach, replacing Jamike Jarin.
The younger Ildefonso still has three seasons left under current UAAP eligibility rules but has to sit out one year before playing for the Eagles in 2021.
When he returns to his original nest, Ildefonso is expected to lead the Eagles who will be without their main stars with Thirdy Ravena and brothers Matt and Mike Nieto.
Ravena and the Nietos have already completed their five playing years in the league.
Ildefonso will have no problem with that since he will be reunited with high school buddies like SJ Belangel, Gio Chiu, Gian Mamuyac, Jascon Credo, and Jolo Mendoza.
