UAAP: Ateneo a better fit for Dave Ildefonso’s basketball dreams

Dave Ildefonso, the 19-year-old college sensation who played 2 seasons for National University, will return to the Ateneo Blue Eagles side.

Ildefonso announced his decision via his Instagram account, confirming reports that have circulated days ago.

One of the two sons of former 2-time PBA MVP Danny Ildefonso, Dave explained his decision to return to Ateneo, noting that his “biggest dream” is to represent the Philippines.

While Ildefonso has already done that in the youth level, playing for Gilas Pilipinas’ U19 squad for the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup, the wing man wants to also do it in the senior level.

Ildefonso went on to say that Ateneo’s basketball program is the better fit for him when it comes to helping himself achieve his goals.

Of course, the Blue Eagles, the current 3-time defending champions, have former Gilas head coach and current consultant Tab Baldwin in their fold.

Baldwin has expressed before that he wants to help his Blue Eagles get to places, and the 2019 PBA Draft dominated by his outgoing players is recent proof of the program’s success.

Ildefonso will be a good addition to Ateneo, who has already lost Thirdy Ravena and Mike Nieto in the wing positions.

Ildefonso averaged 16.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, and 3.7 APG in the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup in Greece.