Ildefonso back in Eagles nest

MANILA, Philippines — After days of speculation, an Ateneo top official finally confirmed Dave Ildefonso’s homecoming to Katipunan.

According to team manager Epok Quimpo, the 19-year-old collegiate star is indeed on his way back to Ateneo where he started his basketball career as a high school prodigy.

“Yes. Dave is currently arranging his transfer,” Quimpo yesterday told The STAR, breaking the silence that surrounded the former National U cager the past days.

Reports surfaced on Ildefonso’s move over the weekend, saying he is bound to take his act back to Ateneo after a two-year stint with the Bulldogs.

This will mark the return of the second-generation player to Ateneo where he spent his high school career that was highlighted by a UAAP title.

His legendary father, Danny, also spent time with the Blue Eaglets as a deputy coach but decided to leave the squad to join Jamike Jarin’s staff in his alma mater, which is NU.

Last year, Ildefonso normed 17.1 points and 5.8 rebounds for the Bulldogs. But those numbers were not enough as the Bulldogs went on to finish the season with a paltry 2-12 record, and missed the Final Four for the fourth straight year.

NU’s dismal exit paved way for management’s decision to replace Jarin with decorated NU juniors coach Goldwin Monteverde, a move that reportedly led to the former MVP in the PBA to vacate his post at NU. 

Then Dave, the son, followed suit.

Ildefonso, a member of the 24-man Gilas Pilipinas FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers pool and Mighty Sports roster for an upcoming tilt in Dubai, will redshirt this upcoming 83rd season before finally being eligible to play for Tab Baldwin and the three-time UAAP champion Ateneo in Season 84. He will still have two playing years for the Eagles.

His brother, Shaun, meanwhile, is likely to stay at NU with only a season left in his eligibility.

Ildefonso is expected to be the Eagles’ cornerstone starting next season especially with the departure of Ateneo main guys Thirdy Ravena, Matt and Mike Nieto, Isaac Go and Adrian Wong after a great collegiate career capped by a historic 16-0 sweep of the 82nd season.