Pessumal would welcome reunion with Black, Newsome at Meralco

MANILA, Philippines – Von Pessumal, the former designated shooter of the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP, says he would be glad to reunite with former head coach Norman Black and teammate Chris Newsome at the Meralco Bolts.

Speaking to the media during the SLAM Draft Suite on Friday, October 28, Pessumal said “I’d welcome it with open arms,” on the possibility of going to the Bolts, who just lost to Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Governors’ Cup finals.

“I guess when you think about it, it’s really fun to play for your former coach cause you don’t really need to prove that much, but you still need to prove you got better as a player.”

Black was Pessumal’s Ateneo coach during his first two years in the collegiate league, and then played with Newsome, the reigning PBA Rookie of the Year, in his third and fourth seasons.

Pessumal argued that outside shooting – his best trait – is an important factor for pro basketball teams today, but pointed out 3 teams that he feels can utilize that talent of his most.

“I think you never have enough outside shooting, but if I were to pick, based on the last series, maybe Meralco needs one or Alaska. Rain or Shine also. I guess whatever happens, what I bring is outside shooting,” he said.

Pessumal shot 33% from deep during his 5-year UAAP career with the Blue Eagles, including 38% during the 2014 season where Ateneo was the top seed and made the Final Four. During his fifth year with the team, he averaged a career-high 13.2 points and 2.3 rebounds a contest.

“With Alaska, I guess, I can learn a thing or two from Dondon [Hontiveros], but of course it’s all hypothetical,” he said.

“I think the reunion might be good for me,” Pessumal also said about Meralco, “but in this kind of situation, basketball, you can never really tell where you’re going to end up and I’m thankful to end up anywhere.”

More than a shooter

Although Pessumal admits outside shooting is his most attractive basketball quality, he hopes to diversify his skill set once he gets to the pros.

“In high school I wasn’t really a shooter – I just developed it. I really believe it’s one of my strongest assets, but I don’t believe it’s my only asset.”

Pessumal, who also played for Ateneo High School, also emphasized how he wants to improve on the defensive end.

“I think in the PBA I’m really aiming towards being kind of a combo guard who can guard two positions, maybe even 3, but try to be more versatile on the offensive end and defensive end as well.” – Rappler.com