Two Gilas cadets swapped teams prior to the start of the 2017 PBA Governor’s Cup.
Arnold Van Opstal will be wearing GlobalPort Batang Pier jersey in the third conference while Von Pessumal will don the jersey of the San Miguel Beermen.
Also known as AVO, the former DLSU big-man have seen a very limited minutes and most of the time took the role as the cheerleader in the SMB bench.
His total contributions as being a Beermen is his 11 points and 11 rebounds for both first and second conference.
Moving to GlobalPort might be a new start for Van Opstal and regain his confidence in playing basketball.
TRADE!@GlobalportPH acquired the rights to @Arnoldvanopstal @TheSMBeermen acquired the rights to @von19#WeArePBA pic.twitter.com/shJjmfLLvf
— PBA (@pbaconnect) July 10, 2017
Batang Pier is not known for their bigs but they’re branded as a squad that has the “Slash Brothers” the combination of Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle.
“It would also be beneficial to AVO since he will have the chance to earn his playing time as a legit big man and eventually get his confidence and playing rhythm back,” SMB team manager Gee Abanilla said.
Arnold Van Opstal Highlights
Von Pessumal the backup guard utilized by coach Franz Pumaren if Romeo or Pringle needs a rest will double his efforts to get his playing time as a Beermen.
San Miguel’s backcourt is loaded with talents led by 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Best Player of the Conference, Chris Ross and 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals MVP, Alex Cabagnot.
The team also have Marcio Lassiter, Ronald Tubid, Brian Heruela plus an import this Governor’s Cup that usually takes the guard position.
Pessumal averaged 5.7 points in the second conference will join Gilas Pilipinas to compete in the upcoming 2017 William Jones Cup and 2017 South East Asian games.
Von Pessumal Highlights
Both players entered the league via a special draft but there is a memorandum that a Gilas player can’t be traded within two years.
However, according to Willie Marcial (PBA Commissioner’s Office) the player swap is legal since it involves two Gilas cadets.
“Allowed yun cadet to cadet trade. Approve ng board yan bago pa yung special draft (nung October),” said the league’s communications and external affairs head.
“Ang hindi puwede yung i-trade for player na hindi Gilas cadet.”