by Waylon Galvez
Manila, Philippines – Will the former two-time MVP Danny Ildefonso get another opportunity to play again before hanging up his jerseys for good?
With the early exit of Meralco, Ildefonso will have to wait for another call if he gets that chance.
His one-month contract with Meralco expires at the end of February, but he’s looking forward that Meralco management will extend his contract till the end of the season.
Ildefonso, after all, did his best during the six games he played for the Bolts.
At one time, he was named Player of the Week.
In six games, the 6-foot-5 Ildefonso he averaged 7.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 shot blocks in 26 minutes of play.
The Bolts lost to the Aces in their do-or-die encounter, 94-91, Monday night at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City, thus ending Ildefonso’s love affair with the Bolts.
But if Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio is to be believed, Ildefonso has a good chance of playing in the Commissioner’s Cup.
“Danny I helped us tremendously. Though the outcome did not bring us to our desired destination, I still felt that Danny I gave us a lot of competitive resolve and fighting spirit,” said Gregorio of Ildefonso, who took over the spot when Kerby Raymundo opted not to sign a contract with Meralco due to an injured knee.
The 6-foot-5 Raymundo was acquired by the Bolts in a trade with the Kings during the off-season for Jayr Reyes, but did not play a single game for Gregorio’s team after he found out a tear in his right knee.
At this early, Gregorio does not want to talk about contract extension. Not this early since he’s still feeling the pain of their setback.