Dave Ildefonso rounds out the formidable Strong Group-Pilipinas squad for the 43rd William Jones Cup, scheduled in Taipei, Taiwan, from July 13 to 21.
Ildefonso will be joining Kiefer Ravena, Angelo Kouame, Rhenz Abando, Jordan Heading, RJ Abarrientos, DJ Fenner, Chris McCollough, Caelan Tiongson, Tajuan Agee, and young players Jonathan Manalili, Allen Liwag, and Tony Ynot.
Ildefonso donned the Suwon KT jersey in the Korean Basketball League for two years. He played 44 games with the Sonicboom.
"My top priority in joining SGA (Strong Group Athletics) is to help the team, which is being handled by one of my friends in Ateneo, Jacob (Lao), win the championship in any way possible. Representing the country is always a privilege, and I intend to make the most of an opportunity like this," said the 24-year-old son of Converge assistant coach Danny Ildefonso.
He said he is excited to play alongside Kouame, his former teammate during Ateneo's championship run in UAAP Season 85.
"I'm really excited to be on the same team with Ange again. I know what he can bring to the team and how valuable he is as a player. He'll definitely have a big role to play for SGA," said Ildefonso, who will be reunited with Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu.
Tiu coached the Mighty Sports team at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup in 2019 and the Dubai International Basketball Tournament in 2020.
"I've always been a fan of Dave's game. I'm looking forward to seeing the improvement in his game from his time abroad. Hopefully, we can help boost his confidence for his next career step," Tiu said. PNA