DAVE Ildefonso feels proud seeing an all-out attack from SMDC-NU finally lead to a win, ending the Bulldogs' drought in the 2019 PBA D-League.
"Maganda yung laro namin kasi maraming nag-contribute, maraming nag-double-digit," the incoming sophomore said. "It's different kasi yung last games, minsan ako yung highest contributor pero yung sunod sa akin, single-digit na lang. Mas maganda kung magtulungan kami kasi mas maganda na maglaro kami as a team which we did this game."
Ildefonso has been one of the few silver linings for the lowly SMDC-NU, averaging a team-best 16.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.4 steals.
But on Monday, everyone did their part as the Bulldogs took down CD14 Designs-Trinity, 107-75, to gain breakthrough in the Foundation Group.
Ildefonso had 18 points, but John Lloyd Clemente had 12 of his 18 come in the first half, brother Shaun got 17 to his name, and John Galinato added 10.
"Mas maganda yung nagtutulungan kami kasi mas maganda na maglaro kami as a team, which we did this game," he said.
It hasn't been a smooth-sailing preseason for SMDC-NU in this offseason, with frustrations continuing to mount on the young team.
Those struggles have tested the resolve of the Bulldogs, and Ildefonso thinks that it only made the team a stronger squad.
"Times are hard nga because of the slump and all that, pero sama-sama pa rin kami. We’re still having fun, and we’re still getting the job done kahit paano," said the 19-year-old do-it-all whiz.
And after finally putting a stop on this dry spell, Ildefonso hopes that it only rallies SMDC-NU to a better future, starting on Thursday against Foundation Cup leader CEU (6-0).
"Kailangan naming mag-stick together, always look at the silver lining, kung anong positive sa and just really improve each and every day," he said.
"Para sa akin as an individual, wala akong kinakatakutan kasi mas bata ako. Nothing to lose and I have everything to gain. Each and every game, I’ll approach it with confidence and positivity."
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