The younger Ildefonso would love to share the court with his father this conference, if possible.
PBA legend Danny Ildefonso is coming out of retirement after Converge FiberXers activated him as their 15th local player.
The big question is, does the concurrent Converge assistant coach still got it at 46?
His son and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters rookie Shaun thinks so.
“I’m pretty sure kaya pa niya,” Shaun told News5’s Martie Bautista. “Kundisyon pa 'yan si tatay e. Wala naman 'yan ginagawa dito sa bahay. I’m pretty sure naiinip lang yan.”
Ildefonso last played for the Meralco Bolts in 2015 before dipping his toes into coaching.
While not a few were shocked when this news broke out early Thursday, the younger Ildefonso believes the coaching staff must have seen something in him to prompt this decision.
“He’s a PBA legend for a reason and I'm sure Converge and coach Aldin [Ayo] still sees that in him,” he said.
Will we see the Ildefonsos share the court this conference? That depends.
As of this writing, Converge holds the fourth spot with the NLEX Road Warriors with identical 6-3 win-loss record. Rain or Shine, meanwhile, is mired in the cellar with a 2-7 card. Also, the two teams already met in the elimination round of the ongoing PBA Governors' Cup.
Despite the slim chances, Shaun would love that to happen.
“I think matatawa lang ako. I’m really gonna be out of focus but it’s an honor and privilege rin. Kasi I think that doesn’t happen often. So, if ever that happens I just have to enjoy the moment,” he said.
“I’m grateful for the moment to share the court with my dad, kasi pinalaki niya ako. 'Yun dream niya na nandoon din ako sa PBA, hindi ko mae-expect na makakalaro ko siya. If ever that happens, it's gonna be big. It’s gonna be a moment to remember.”
(With reports from Martie Bautista, News5)