Dave Ildefonso downplays MPBL MVP talks, Abra-NE hype ahead of big Saturday showdown

Dave Ildefonso's arrival has significantly boosted the Abra team in the MPBL, leading them to a 17-1 record and second place in the North Division, trailing only undefeated Nueva Ecija (18-0). Ildefonso is posting impressive individual statistics, averaging 18.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, making fans consider him a frontrunner for the season MVP award.

However, Ildefonso downplayed the midseason MVP talks, stating that his sole focus is on winning a championship for the people of Abra, which has been the team's goal since acquiring him.

His strong performance earned him a return stint with Strong Group Athletics (SGA) for the Jones Cup in New Taipei. While most SGA members are already there, Ildefonso and Geo Chiu remained in the Philippines to play for Abra in a crucial regular-season game against Nueva Ecija in Palayan. Many fans see this matchup as a potential preview of the North Division Finals.

Ildefonso downplayed the hype surrounding the game against Nueva Ecija, emphasizing he doesn't want to make it bigger than it is to avoid pressure. He views it as a normal regular-season game and prefers taking things one game at a time, noting that placement is important but there are more games ahead. Despite this, he insisted Abra will compete hard and aims to hand Nueva Ecija its first loss, even though they are playing on the road, calling it a good test.

Following the Abra-Nueva Ecija clash, Ildefonso and Chiu face nine consecutive nights of basketball. They will immediately travel from Palayan to Taipei to join SGA for the Jones Cup. Because SGA has a bye on the opening Saturday, they will play all eight of their tournament games consecutively. Ildefonso and Chiu aim to catch the earliest possible flight Sunday morning to arrive in Taipei in time for SGA's final preparations before their opening game against Chinese Taipei Blue later that night.