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| Dave Ildefonso is set to finally suit up for Converge. Abra Weavers (file photo) |
STA. ROSA, Laguna--The PBA finally gave the green light for Converge to acquire Dave Ildefonso.
The league's trade committee approved a revised version of the swap that would see Kobe Monje moving to Titan Ultra.
Initially, only one draft pick, the FiberXers' supposed first-round pick in the PBA Season 52 Draft, was inserted in the deal.
However, the PBA approved the swap after Converge agreed to also give up its second-round pick in the Season 51 Draft scheduled for January 2027 to Titan Ultra.
The Giant Risers absorbed the signing rights for Ildefonso after acquiring the NorthPort Batang Pier franchise before the start of Season 50.
The six-foot-four swingman was drafted fifth overall in the 2024 Draft but never agreed on terms for a rookie contract.
The drama between Ildefonso and NorthPort simmered further when his dad, PBA legend and Converge assistant coach Danny, got into a post-game verbal tussle with then Batang Pier governor Erick Arejola, now Magnolia's team consultant.
With the trade finally approved, the contract dispute between Dave and the franchise eventually absorbed by Titan Ultra may have already come to an end.
The FiberXers, though, will need to wait for the Abra Weavers to finish their MPBL season before they can sign him.
Currently enjoying an MPBL and Philippine record 28-game winning streak, Abra will return to action on Nov. 3 when it hosts Caloocan in Game 1 of the North Division semifinals at the Andres Bernos Gymnasium in Bangued.
