Dave Ildefonso will join a stacked Strong Group-Pilipinas lineup that will seek a gold medal finish in the 43rd Jones Cup.
Fresh off his stint in the Korean Basketball League, Dave Ildefonso is set to join Strong Group-Pilipinas for their campaign at the 43rd William Jones Cup, taking place from July 13 to 21, 2024, in Taipei, Taiwan.
Ildefonso brings extensive experience from his two years in the Korean Basketball League with Suwon KT, during which time he played 44 games with the Sonicboom.
"My main goal in joining SGA is to help the team, coached by my Ateneo friend Jacob [Lao], win the championship," said Ildefonso. "Representing the country is always an honor, and I want to make the most of this opportunity."
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Ahead of his return to the Philippines, Ildefonso is also eager to reunite with Ange Kouame, his former teammate from Ateneo de Manila University’s championship run in UAAP Season 85.
"I'm really excited to team up with Ange again," Ildefonso said. "I know his value to the team and he will definitely play a crucial role for SGA."
This tournament also brings Ildefonso back together with Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu, who coached him in the FIBA Under-19 World Cup in 2019, and the Dubai International Basketball Tournament in 2020 with Mighty Sports.
"I've always admired Dave's game," said Tiu. "I'm eager to see how he's improved from his time abroa, and hopefully, we can help build his confidence for his future career.”
With Ildefonso's addition, the team now boasts a strong lineup featuring notable players like Kiefer Ravena, Rhenz Abando, Jordan Heading, and RJ Abarrientos.
Other team members include Chris McCollough, Caelan Tiongson, DJ Fenner and Tajuan Agee, along with promising talents Jonathan Manalili, Allen Liwag, and Tony Ynot.