MANILA, Philippines – Dave Ildefonso drew fans in the Korean Basketball League (KBL), but apparently, his coach wasn’t one of them.
Coach Song Young-Jin described Ildefonso as a “good player” and a “really handsome guy,” but admitted the former Ateneo star couldn’t blend well with the Suwon KT Sonicboom even after two seasons in the KBL.
Ildefonso played limited minutes for two years in his first overseas stint, then returned home after not receiving any new offers.
Suwon KT replaced Ildefonso with Filipino-Italian guard Dalph Panopio, a former Gilas Pilipinas prospect, as its Asian import.
“Obviously, we tried to help him a lot, tried to let him adjust to the team. We gave him a lot of opportunities,” said Song.
“He stayed two seasons. The following season, he couldn’t capitalize on those opportunities. He’s a good player but he wasn’t a really good fit for our team. So unfortunately, he’s no longer with us.”
During his second and final season with the team, Ildefonso averaged 4.4 points, 1.0 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.7 turnovers in 10.6 minutes.
Ildefonso admitted that Panopio was “a much better fit” for Suwon, a recent Manila visitor for the opener of the East Asia Super League, where they stunned San Miguel Beer, 87-81, at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, October 2.
Last July, the son of PBA legend Danny Ildefonso got picked fifth overall by the NorthPort Batang Pier in the PBA Draft. Contract negotiations, however, continue for both parties.
Ildefonso also suited up for Strong Group Athletics in the 2024 William Jones Cup last June, where they completed an 8-0 sweep to reclaim the crown. – with a report from Delfin Dioquino/Rappler.com