Converge acquires Dave Ildefonso's rights in trade with Titan Ultra

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Converge FiberXers have acquired the signing rights to Dave Ildefonso from the Titan Ultra Giant Risers in a trade approved by the PBA trade committee on Friday, Oct. 24.

In exchange, the Giant Risers will receive Kobe Monje and the FiberXers' second round pick in the 51st season draft and first round pick in the 52nd season draft.

Converge team governor Archen Cayabyab said the FiberXers had to make the difficult decision of giving their future picks for a prized cager in Ildefonso.

"It was a tough call. But looking at our young team, we know that we need Dave as his position is also our missing piece," he said in a statement on the PBA website.

Ildefonso was selected fifth overall by the NorthPort Batang Pier in the Season 49 draft, but the two parties failed to reach an agreement. His signing rights were transferred to Titan Ultra, which bought the NorthPort franchise this year.

Ildefonso will be a huge addition to the young talented core of Converge which includes Juan Gomez de Liaño, Justine Baltazar, Justin Arana, Alec Stockton, and Schonny Winston.

Ildefonso, a former Gilas Pilipinas and Ateneo de Manila University standout, is still playing with the Abra Weavers in the ongoing Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League playoffs.

Ildefonso will join his father and PBA legend Danny, who is the FiberXers assistant coach.