IS Dave Ildefonso finally coming to the Northport Batang Pier soon?
Sources told SPIN.ph that Northport team governor Erick Arejola is a regular guest in Abra Solid North Weavers games in the MPBL, including their 82-71 drubbing of previously unbeaten Megabet Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in Palayan City last Saturday.
So, we asked Abra team owner and the province lone Congressman JB Bernos about it.
“Pwedeng ganun ... hindi biro lang," Bernos said in between laughs. "Nagkataon lang na kaibigan natin si Mr. Arejola, kaya lagi siyang nasa games namin. Pero hindi naman namin napag-uusapan si Dave."
READ Dave Ildefonso on failed NorthPort talks: 'Kami 'yung last message eh'
But Bernos bared that with what his prized wingman is showing in the MPBL, there is no doubt Ildefonso can be a very good asset to any team he will play for not only in the PBA but in other Asian leagues as well.
“Generational talent si Dave and we are so lucky that we were able to get him this season sa MPBL. And 'yung aming status ngayon as the league-leader, malaking bagay dyan ang contribution ni Dave,” said the former La Paz, Abra mayor.
Picked 5th overall during the last PBA draft, Ildefonso saw himself at the center of a controversy when he failed to come to terms with the Batang Pier on a rookie contract.
Sources told SPIN.ph at the time of the negotiations that Ildefonso was only offered a contract worth P150,000 a month in his first year - terms that were well below what other players drafted after him got from their ballclubs.
At Abra, Ildefonso is said to be receiving, not less than P400,000 per month excluding bonuses.
But when asked if Abra would give up Ildefonso should NorthPort approach him for the 25-year old winger, Bernos has a quick response.
“Siyempre, malaki epekto sa team namin nun. Pero kung makakaganda sa career ni Dave at tingin ko mas magbo-blossom siya, bakit namin pipigilan? Part ng advocacy namin sa Solid North na bigyan ng mas magandang buhay ang ating mga kababayan at isa si Dave dun,” he said.
Bernos bared that there have been feelers from different teams in the PBA and even those from abroad for Ildefonso’s services, but none has gained ground so far.
“Malapad, mabilis, high flyer, may shooting. And he creates opportunities for his teammates. Ang taas ng IQ. Maalaga pa sa katawan,” he said.
“Di nga ako magugulat kung siya ang MVP ng MPBL this year at sa mga susunod na taon. Kasi he knows how to contribute to our victories. If struggling siya on offense, he’d make up on defense and other intangibles of the game,” added the 46-year old sports patron.
Through 19 games, Ildefonso is averaging an impressive 18.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 blocks per game for the Weavers, who are now at the summit of the MPBL team standings with an 18-1 win-loss slate.
Currently playing for the Strong Group Athletics in the Jones Cup, Ildefonso no doubt will be exposed to more teams, but Bernos is optimistic the former Suwon KT Sonic Boom Asian import would always choose to stay with Abra.
“Pamilya kami sa team. And I have high hopes he would continue playing for us. Abra is his home, may dugong Abra si Dave and he truly represents the ‘King of the North’ tag,” said Bernos, who is in Taiwan with his staff to show support for Ildefonso.
“Alam nya na iba lumaro sa regional league at iba ang atmosphere playing for a province na alam mo dun galing ang lahi mo,” he added.
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