Strong Group Athletics guard Dave Ildefonso and NorthPort Batang Pier coaching staff. Photos from Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News and PBA Images.MANILA — The negotiations between the NorthPort Batang Pier and Dave Ildefonso -- the player they took with the fifth overall pick in the PBA Season 49 Rookie Draft -- remain at a standstill.
A year after officially being selected by the Bonnie Tan-mentored team, the former Ateneo Blue Eagle said that there have been no further developments between the two camps.
“Wala eh. Kami yung last message,” said Ildefonso, who is currently with Strong Group-Pilipinas in the 44th William Jones Cup.
As for the Batang Pier’s side of things, they shared that their offer sheet is already with the PBA, waiting for Ildefonso’s signature if he does accept it.
“Nasa PBA lang yung offer sheet,” a source told ABS-CBN News in a message.
READ: Dave Ildefonso yet to sign contract with NorthPort, says Bonnie Tan
However, while the two parties are yet to reach a deal, Ildefonso maintained that he has no ill feelings towards NorthPort.
“Kung may development man, ‘di ko rin kasi alam eh,” he said. “Pero hopefully, everything goes well with them, and siyempre, makapag ayos kami ng deal.”
Barring any changes, the former Suwon KT Sonicboom guard stated that his focus for now is winning with the Abra Weavers in the MPBL.
“Masaya naman ako. Nakakapaglaro, and most of all, andito sa Philippines, masaya ako dito, so hopefully, mas gumanda pa yung takbo namin sa MPBL” he said.
“Naka-sign ako ng two years sa Abra. First year ko ngayon, then next year, so yung focus ko lang talaga is to win a championship with them. Ang iniisip ko lang talaga eh yung job ko right now kasi yun yung commitment ko,” he added.
With Ildefonso’s help, Abra currently sits at the top of the MPBL standings, boasting an 18-1 record.
On the other hand, if Ildefonso opts to sign his PBA contract, he would also be a huge boost to NorthPort come Season 50 as it exited the Philippine Cup with a 2-9 standing.
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