[PODCAST] At the Buzzer: Von Pessumal answers the tough questions

Subscribe to Rappler Sports podcast on iTunes and Spotify

San Miguel Beermen sharpshooter and former Ateneo Blue Eagles swingman Von Pessumal joins host Naveen Ganglani in the latest episode of At the Buzzer.

Pessumal provides a window into what life was like while living in the PBA bubble at the Quest Hotel in Clark, Pampanga, and goes deep into the reasons why his Beermen failed to defend their Philippine Cup title against the Meralco Bolts. 

The 27-year-old also discusses the anxiety players and coaches felt as the fate of the bubble hung in the balance due to false positive tests and what transpired during their Blue Eagles reunion at the hotel. 

Von then takes a trip back to his Ateneo days and opens up about the challenges of riding the bench during his first 3 years in the UAAP and how he feels about today’s young collegiate standouts shifting schools early in their careers. 

The young PBA standout also answers questions about his friendship with Kiefer Ravena, which season-ending play still gives him nightmares, and his predictions for the rest of the PBA playoffs.

Here is a transcript from the episode:

Naveen: So it’s easier to be patient when you know you’re playing for a program like Ateneo because you know that it’s an established program, you know the reputation is there, but would you understand if it’s tougher for players to be patient when they’re playing for a program that hasn’t achieved the success you guys did?

Von: Yeah, 100%. You know players right now are so talented. The kids right now are so talented. I can’t blame them if they want to play right now. They’re probably not thinking about finishing their years in college; they’re probably thinking about playing for the PBA or playing abroad. As a pro right now, I can’t blame them. 

If you’re able to provide for your family at a young age, you should do it. If you have the talent to do it, you should do it, so that means sacrificing a good offer because you want to play right away. I think kids should consider doing it. Wherever you feel like you might have the best chance to go pro if that’s what you want to do, you should.

– Rappler.com