A ‘more complete’ player, Von Pessumal doesn’t want shooter label

MANILA, Philippines – After spending his first 3 seasons in the UAAP seeing limited playing time, Ateneo swingman Von Pessumal had a breakout campaign in 2014 when he averaged 9.1 points, 4 rebounds and 38% shooting from downtown in 16 games.

Pessumal also had a terrific 21-point outburst in the second game of the season against the Blue Eagles’ biggest rival, La Salle, which turned out to be essentially his “welcome to the UAAP” moment.

With his final UAAP season set to begin in a week as Ateneo opens their campaign against FEU, the 6-foot-1 Pessumal is looking forward to having an even bigger assignment.

“It’s a much bigger role [for me] this season. I can’t even put it into words because a lot of veterans have been gone,” Pessumal told Rappler about his Blue Eagles, which lost starters Chris Newsome and Nico Elorde after last season to graduation.

“Actually, it’s just me, Kiefer [Ravena], and Gwyne [Capacio], and Fonso [Gotladera] that are leading right now, so a lot of weight are on our shoulders, but we’re up to the task.

“I think I’m accepting this role that was given to me by Coach Bo,” added Pessumal, “and I think at the end of the day, I just want to win, so I’ll do everything I can to make my team win.”

When UAAP fans and analysts think of the Ateneo forward, the first thought that comes to mind is his shooting ability. Definitely one of the best long-range snipers in college basketball today, Pessumal nailed 30 3-balls in his fourth season – 18 more than he made all his first 3 years combined.

However, the long time Ateneo student, who also represented the school in the junior UAAP tournament, doesn’t like his game being branded to just that facet.

“Actually, when people label me as a shooter, sometimes I get irritated because I know I’m not just a shooter; I know I’m a much-better player than that, more complete player,” said the UAAP veteran. 

“In high school, I couldn’t even shoot, but in college I think I just worked on it. I think right now, I’m just ready to take my game to the next level.”

Pessumal is hoping to display some of the other traits he’s worked on this past offseason.

“I just work on my defense a lot, [and] playmaking especially because nobody else aside from Kiefer here can facilitate.”

Winning with the rooks

Not only will the Blue Eagles have to deal with the departures of key contributors from their impressive season in 2014; they will also have to make do in 2015 with a team laden by rookies.

Although the eligibility of Hubert Cani is still in question, the team is welcoming newbies Isaac Go, Jerie Pingoy, Chibueze Ikeh, Aaron Black, and the Nieto brothers Mike and Matt.

“That’s always going to be a question about our team, because all the veterans are gone from last year, so it’s just a couple of guys left from last year’s roster, and I think half the team are rookies, so it’s always going to be a question,” admitted Pessumal, who’s won 5 UAAP titles with Ateneo – 3 in the junior’s, and two in the senior’s.

“But at the end of the day, we’re only going to answer that at the court, so I guess of course we’re ready, we’re going to compete, and we’re going to fight until the end.”

Ateneo could have used Thirdy Ravena this season but he’s not included in Season 78’s roster as he works on his academic responsibilities. The Blue Eagles, however, will have the services of reigning UAAP Rookie of the Year Arvin Tolentino.

And despite the shift in make-up, the usual pressure to come out victorious is still going to be hovering above Ateneo.

“When you put on an Ateneo uniform, there’s always pressure to win. Always pressure to win,” said Pessumal, whose team went 11-3 in the eliminations last UAAP season but lost in the Final Four to eventual champion NU despite having a twice-to-beat advantage.

“That never goes away. The culture here, the history behind Ateneo, it’s always been ‘You have to win,’ so I guess for all the players who chose to study in this school, to play for Ateneo, it comes with it. The pressure comes with it.”

Nonetheless, Pessumal is confident both in himself and the Blue Eagles.

How much so?

“After this year, people will remember me as a winner,” he said.

And his team? Will they be champions?

“Yes, Ateneo will win the championship,” he said. – Rappler.com