As Grand Slam bid set to begin, SMB gets Pessumal in trade for AVO

Arnold Van Opstal now has a chance to reveal what he really can do as he joins GlobalPort. (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—San Miguel went for a facelift as the team's preparations for the PBA Governors' Cup get underway by acquiring rookie shooter Von Pessumal.

As approved by Commissioner Chito Narvasa on Monday, the Beermen took Pessumal from the GlobalPort Batang Pier in exchange for Arnold Van Opstal in a trade involving Gilas Cadets.

Pessumal proved to be of good help for GlobalPort, which is led by Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle.

Van Opstal, on the other hand, played sparingly for SMB, primarily due to the brilliance of June Mar Fajardo and Charles Rhodes that led the club to the Philippine Cup and the Commissioner's Cup championships this season.

The arrival of Pessumal gives the Beermen another gunner that will help Marcio Lassiter in the wings as they vie for a rare grand slam this upcoming conference.

Van Opstal, on the other hand, will provide more ceiling for the Batang Pier.

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