PBA Legend Danny Ildefonso Returns to Action After Eight Years in Retirement

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) was treated to a surprise on Thursday, March 2, as the Converge FiberXers activated Danny Ildefonso, one of its 40 Greatest Players, as its 15th local player for the Governors’ Cup. Ildefonso, now 46, comes out of retirement after eight years and becomes the oldest active player in the league.

FiberXers head coach Aldin Ayo announced the news on Instagram, sharing a memo of the transaction. Ildefonso will be eligible to play in the game against his former team, Meralco, on Friday, March 3, at the Araneta Coliseum.

Ildefonso's return also marks a milestone for the PBA as he and his son, Shaun Ildefonso, a rookie for Rain or Shine, will become the first father-son duo to play in the league since Robert and Dodot Jaworski played for Barangay Ginebra in the late 1990s.

Ildefonso began his PBA career in 1998, after being drafted by San Miguel as the first overall pick. He helped the franchise win eight championships and earned numerous individual awards, including two MVP honors, three Finals MVP awards, five Best Player of the Conference awards, and five selections to the Mythical First and Second teams.

Ildefonso retired in 2015 after a stint with Meralco but remained in the game as an assistant coach for Converge. His return to the court is sure to be a treat for fans who have long admired his legendary career.