Pessumal still a project but banking on outside shooting

23-year-old Von Pessumal’s main calling card heading into the 2016 PBA Rookie Draft is his outside shooting. A career 32.5 percent three-point shooter, he is one of the top shooters in this class.

However, the former Ateneo Blue Eagle has yet to have a team select him in the special Gilas Draft, according to reports. And as the hours wind down until Sunday, Pessumal admits that he is starting to feel nervous about his status.

“Nervous of course because I want to know where I’m headed,” he said Friday afternoon during the SLAM Draft Suite held at Resorts World Manila.

“But for me it doesn’t really matter. I’m going to get to a team and that team will see how I work and what my attitude is.”

Pessumal believes that being part of the Gilas Program has raised his stock. During the 2016 FIBA Asia Challenge Cup, his precision from downtown was showcased in the National Team’s game against Jordan as he dropped 30 points on an efficient 10-of-14 clip, 9-of-12 from distance.

“It helped me a lot because I got to play and train with the best players in my age bracket. And not just that, I got to play in international tournaments. I guess that really helped my growth as a player,” the 6-foot-2 wing shared.

“Growing up, I just knew how the game is played here. When I played in FIBA, I saw different styles of basketball.”

And he feels that he could be of service to the majority of the league since “you cannot have enough outside shooting”.

“Alaska could be ideal. Meralco also just because I know the coaches there. But they say nga na you cannot have enough outside shooting. I guess I can help with that aspect,” he said.

Moreover, he plans to add more weapons to his arsenal to help him keep up with the big boys of the PBA. He is planning to develop his ball-handling skills and his defense at the same time.

“I’m trying to transition to be a combo guard. But I know it might take a lot of work,” Pessumal said. “Also I’m working on the defensive end and be a two-way player. That’s my main goal.”

“I know it might take a while but I’m willing to put in the work.”