Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Kiefer Ravena and Von Pessumal go way back, winning three titles during their high school days in Ateneo then teaming up again to steer the senior’s team to two more crowns.
But on Friday, it seemed like they were never on the same side when the two former teammates surprisingly clashed as NLEX and San Miguel faced off in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup.
Early in the fourth quarter, Ravena blocked Pessumal’s fastbreak layup and left his ex-Blue Eagle comrade with a staredown as he slowly got back on his feet.
Seemingly irate, the Beermen gunslinger waited as his teammates recovered for the possession, and when Marcio Lassiter heaved a three-pointer, Pessumal rushed to get a rebound and gave Ravena a hard shove at the 9:50 mark of the fourth frame.
The 24-year-old swingman, however, downplayed the scuffle which merited him a flagrant foul penalty one.
“It’s part of the game. I don’t wanna say anything. It’s not a big deal,” he said after finishing with 10 points in San Miguel’s 109-98 win over NLEX.
Pessumal said that he doesn’t pay much attention on who is defending him during the games.
“It’s just like any other game. When I play, I don’t see who’s guarding me. I just play and I play to win all the time,” he said as the 6-foot-2 guard has been making the most of the opportunities given to him and the bench crew by coach Leo Austria.
“We know that our starting five is probably the best in the PBA. I don’t wanna say ever, but it’s up there. So when we come in, us bench guys have to sustain the level of excellence that they have. Our job is when we get in, we should bring the level higher so when the starters come back, the game will be easier for them.”
Consider this a fair warning from Pessumal though. Whether or not he shares a past with any other player, once that ball tips on the court, his goal is one thing only: to help San Miguel win.
“I’m a professional basketball player. I’m not here to make any friends,” he said.