NORTHPORT and first round pick Dave Ildefonso have yet to reach a contract agreement with just a week left before the PBA raises its curtain for Season 49.
Coach Bonnie Tan said the rookie guard remained unsigned until Sunday despite an initial two-year, max deal offered by the team.
The 6-foot product of Ateneo was selected No. 5 overall by the Batang Pier in the recent draft.
“Wala pang final arrangement with him and the team,” said Tan. “We’re waiting for Dave pa.”
READ Dave Ildefonso out to repay NorthPort's trust
Ildefonso, son of PBA great and now Converge deputy Danny I, hasn’t shown up in practices or met the team since draft day.
Tan said he was just able to talk to the rookie via Zoom during draft day as Ildefonso was then in Chinese Taipei playing for the Strong Group Athletics in the Jones Cup.
“We haven’t seen Dave (yet) sa court,” added the NorthPort coach.
But Tan stressed the Batang Pier’s need for Ildefonso’s services.
“He’s a combo guard and yun ang ini-expect namin. Kaya namin siya kinuha,” he said.
Asked by SPIN.ph if Ildefonso or his camp is hinting about a desire to trade him to other teams, Tan said he hasn’t heard of such thing.
“Wala naman akong narinig na ganun. Wala pa,” he added.
Tan then reiterated the Batang Pier are just waiting for Ildefonso to sign the contract.
“Naka-pending lang 'yun,” he added.
Northport has only signed one rookie so far for the coming season in former San Beda and La Salle guard Evan Nelle.
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