Ildefonso earns slot to Jones Cup

MANILA, Philippines — Strong Group-Pilipinas has tapped ace gunner Dave Ildefonso to complete its roster for the 43rd William Jones Cup on July 13 to 21 in Taiwan.

Ildefonso’s commitment rounded out Strong Group’s unit to 13 players before assembling for a training camp this month with hopes of taking home the title in the prestigious regional tourney, where the Philippines has won it six times.

A former UAAP champion from the Ateneo Blue Eagles who went pro in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) with Suwon KT Sonicboom, hopes are high for the second generation player to excel in the squad featuring a bevy of seasoned cagers, rising stars and high-caliber imports.

And he’s up for the challenge, especially for a reunion with his former Ateneo teammates Jacob Lao, now Strong Group Athletics president, and Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Ange Kouame in his Philippine return.

“My top priority in joining SGA is to help the team which is being handled by one of my friends in Ateneo and win the championship in any way possible,” said Ildefonso.