No Ateneo-La Salle rivalry in PBA as Pessumal learns from ex-Archers

Globalport rookie Von Pessumal. PBA IMAGES

Von Pessumal may have played just 19 minutes in the PBA, but the former Ateneo gunner seems to have acclimated to the league’s culture.

His collegiate experiences, including the fierce rivalries, are now in his rearview mirror.

Pessumal, who had eight points in his Globalport debut, is now under former La Salle head coach Franz Pumaren and is teamed up with former Green Archers Rico Maierhofer and Mike Cortez.

Despite their rival schools in the UAAP, the rookie said the two have been nothing short of buddies for him.

“I grew up watching coach Franz coach La Salle, Mike Cortez is there, Rico Maierhofer is there,” said Pessumal, who was with Ateneo since his formative years. “But these guys, they’re the nicest guys you’d meet. I feel like they welcomed me so well… I think the Ateneo-La Salle rivalry doesn’t carry over to the PBA because we’re all pros.”

“They made it a point that I’d feel comfortable with them. I’m learning a lot especially from coach Franz, Mike and the guys I never thought I’d talk to.”

Pessumal, though, has one small problem.

Being with Ateneo for practically all his life, he’s never worn any green and joining a team which shares a similar color with La Salle forced Pessumal to do a lot of shopping.

“I never played in a green jersey, and when I got drafted by Globalport, I had to retool my wardrobe,” said Pessumal, laughing. “Everything is blue, but it’s all good.”