Arnold Van Opstal is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2016 PBA Rookie Draft. Standing at 6-foot-8 and just 24 years old, the former De La Salle University Green Archers big man is one of the most coveted rookies by the majority of the league.
However, according to reports Thursday evening, the rich just got richer, as the San Miguel Beermen are set to select the Filipino-German to further beef up their frontline. Van Opstal welcomed the idea of playing alongside former La Salle head coach Gee Abanilla, who is now with the Beermen.
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“Well that would be a dream come true. Coach Gee is there as well, my former coach,” Van Opstal, who missed both days of the Combine due to flu, said on Friday afternoon during the SLAM PBA Draft Suite.
Furthermore, Van Opstal is particularly excited because he will get the chance to play with and against three-time PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo.
“Being against June Mar everyday will just make you such a good player. He’s an incredible player,” he remarked about the possibility of playing with Fajardo. “There wouldn’t be a better person to learn from in the PBA, as a big.”
“It will really be exciting and a tremendous honor for me to join a great organization.”
And for them to get along on the court, the Gilas Pilipinas big man is adding another offensive weapon to his game so he will not clog up the lane for San Miguel’s big men.
“I want to add my midrange game. So I could be versatile, play the 5 and the 4. Right now, people see me as a 5, just a 5,” he said.
“So if I can transition to a 4, 5, that will be a nice thing for me and I’d like to that.”
