Suwon KT Sonicboom’s head coach Song Young-jin explains why Dave Ildefonso’s two-season stint with the team didn’t exactly work out.
Suwon KT Sonicboom entered the EASL Tip-Off 2024 in Manila as a familiar team to Filipino basketball fans, having signed Dave Ildefonso as their Asian import until his contract with the team expired last May.
So as the Sonicboom aced their EASL opener over the San Miguel Beermen, Ildefonso’s departure was inevitably brought up to head coach Song Young-jin in the post-game press conference.
“First of all, Dave is a really handsome guy,” he said in jest after Suwon’s 87-81 win over San Miguel. “Obviously, we tried to help him a lot, to getting adjusted with the team…we gave him a lot of opportunities.”
The Ateneo product debuted with the Sonicboom in January last year, playing a total of two seasons and 44 games with the KBL ballclub before returning to the Philippines for the PBA Draft.
“Obviously, he stayed two seasons, but the following season he couldn’t capitalize on those opportunities. He’s a good player, but he wasn’t really a good fit for our team. So unfortunately, he’s no longer with us,” the Korean coach explained.
Dave Ildefonso was eventually picked fifth overall by NorthPort in the PBA Draft, while Suwon signed Dalph Panopio as their new Asian import. Contract negotiations continue for Ildefonso and NorthPort, while Panopio was released by Sonicboom last month.
In a prior interview, Ildefonso cited team fit and language barriers as factors behind his unproductive KBL stint.
“To keep it simple, syempre, hindi na ako nagustuhan. And siguro, in terms of the team din kasi, they’re stacked sa wings, and I’m a wing player…pretty much, they really don’t need me,” he told The GAME during Strong Group Athletics’ Jones Cup buildup last July.
EASL 2024 debut
EASL 2024 also marks Sonicboom’s debut in the regional league, following their runner-up finish behind Busan KCC Egis in the 2023-2024 KBL season. After trailing by four in the first half, the Sonicboom recomposed in the second half to pull away against the Beermen.
The Sonicboom unleashed a 12-2 run late in the fourth quarter that sealed the contest following a late San Miguel rally.
Rayshaun Hammonds led Suwon with 39 points and 12 rebounds, while skipper Heo Hoon added 17 points along with nine assists and three steals. EJ Anosike led San Miguel with 34 points, while June Mar Fajardo added 17 markers of his own.
“We could have won a lot easier but we started off rusty. I think the reason is that this is the first time our American players [Hammonds and Jeremiah Tillon Jr.] are playing on the same floor because back in Korea, we can only have one guy on the same floor,” explained Heo.
Banner image from Suwon KT Sonicboom on Facebook.