Veteran big man Ildefonso playing like a rookie again

Petron big man Danny Ildefonso seems to enjoy tormenting Talk 'N Text since last season. After helping the Boosters end the Tropang Texters' Grand Slam bid in the Governors Cup, the 35-year-old league veteran again broke the hearts of their semifinal opponents in Game Four of the PBA Philippine Cup. Ildefonso, nursing an injured right calf muscle, scored 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds in Petron's 85-82 Game Four win that pushed the Boosters closer to clinching the first Finals berth. "I am thankful that God gave me the chance to play like this," said Ildefonso, who scored the game-winning shot to start Petron's championship series against Talk 'N Text with a win in last season's Governor's Cup. Aside from Ildefonso's Game Four performance, in Petron's Final Four match-up with Talk 'N Text, he also played the hero's role in Game Two that leveled the semis series at one-game apiece. Ildefonso settled for jump shots—which he does most of the time anyway ever since his injuries began pestering him—and it clicked as he shot 11-of-14 from the field. His 22-point output was reminiscent of his December 12, 2007 performance when he also tallied the same output in a losing effort by Magnolia against Coca-Cola, 114-108. "Our call time for (Game Four) was 4 p.m. but I arrived 45 minutes before tip-off because I had to undergo therapy,”"said Ildefonso. Ildefonso, a former number one draft pick in 1998, also played a key role in the Blaze Boosters' Game 7 victory to end the Tropang Texters’ Grand Slam bid. In his early heydays, the former National University stalwart was a force inside the paint. He can also put points in the air with his thunderous dunks. Age and injuries, however, slowed down the two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) and it became more evident prior to Game 4. But given a new lease on hardcourt life, Ildefonso vowed not to let the chance slip past and vowed to help Petron secure the first Finals berth. "There's a 70 to 80 percent chance to finally end the series. It will be difficult if we relaxed and give (Talk 'N Text) the chance to bounce back. This is a rare chance," said Ildefonso. — JVP, GMA News