SHAUN Ildefonso just used to watch his legendary father play in the PBA in the past.
Now, he gets to be in the same stage which two-time MVP Danny Ildefonso once dominated in the early 2000s.
"Dati kasi watching my dad growing up sa ULTRA pa (now Philsports Arena), doon na nag-simula yung dream. And finally to be here, and surprisingly pumasok ng first round, really means a lot," said the young Ildefonso.
The 24-year-old guard was selected no. 10 by Rain or Shine in the 2021 draft, where he's reunited with fellow rookie and former Ateneo teammate Gian Mamuyac, who was taken in at no. 5 overall by the Elasto Painters.
While he looked up to his dad as role model, he knows it would be a very big shoes to fill in trying to follow the career path Danny I did in his 15-year PBA career, where he was named MVP in 2000 and 2001, Rookie of the Year in 1998, a five-time Best Player of the Conference, two-time Finals MVP, and an eight-time champion with San Miguel Beer.
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"I just believe God has greater things in store for me," he said. "But I'm going to work for it of course."
Sharing the joy felt by Shaun on draft day was his father, mother, siblings, and loved ones who were present to cheer and support him during the two-hour proceedings at the Robinson's Place Manila.
"I can't express so much because I can't describe the feeling na nararamdaman ko," said the rookie draftee.
As a bonus, Ildefonso was also named by Gilas coach Chot Reyes as part of the national team pool along with fellow draftees Justin Arana, Mamuyac, and Javi Gomez De Liano. (RG)
