VETERAN Danny Ildefonso is looking at a possible retirement if ever he fails to hook up with any PBA team next season.
The two-time league MVP was left unprotected by Meralco for the July 18 dispersal draft involving expansion teams Blackwater Sports and KIA Motors, according to team manager Butch Antonio.
The 6-foot-5 Ildefonso understands the harsh reality of pro life, but is hopeful he’ll get picked and signed by any of the two expansion franchises.
“Oo, nabalitaan ko nga na drop na ako. Eh magpapa-draft na lang ako (in the dispersal). Pero pag walang kumuha, retiro na tayo,” Ildefonso told Spin.ph on Saturday when reached for comment.
The 37-year-old center is the biggest name in the dispersal pool, being the star of San Miguel Beer’s eight championships in a colorful 15-year career.
Ildefonso though saw limited action since moving over to Meralco late last year, averaging just 3.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assist in 12.3 minutes of play under coach Ryan Gregorio.
Ildefonso’s contract with Meralco expires in August, but the eight-time All-Star is still working out with a conditioning coach in the offseason to stay in shape, hopeful he can still play in the league’s 40th season starting this October.
Meralco will now be handled by Norman Black following the shuffle done by the teams under the Manny V. Pangilinan group that also included Talk 'N Text and newcomer NLEX.
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