Ranidel De Ocampo’s time with the Meralco Bolts has begun
For nine years that he had worn Talk N Text’s colors, it was truly hard to imagine the 35-year-old suiting up for another team. But what was deemed unthinkable for so long has happened — De Ocampo was shipped and is now an Orangeman.
The six-time champion with the Texters debuted for the Bolts on Friday night against the Alaska Aces at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. And him subbing in with 5:12 in the opening frame signaled the start of a new chapter in his career.
His addition to the team brought positivity to his teammates right away. As a result, they gave their new forward a welcome to remember through a 106-78 drubbing of the Aces — a win that brings them closer to a twice-to-beat edge.
And with that, De Ocampo is immensely pleased.
“Masaya kasi unang-una panalo kami,” said De Ocampo, who scored 10 in the win. “Tapos nakita ko kung papaano yung actual game na magkakasama kami.
“At the same time, nakilala ko yung ibang mga tao sa loob ng team.”
But nobody could not be happier with De Ocampo’s arrival than Bolts head coach Norman Black. The multi-titled coach was singing high praises for one of the game’s best — if not the best — stretch forwards after the game.
“It’s been an interesting week, picking up Ranidel in the middle of the week and having to try to teach him the system in three days. I thought he did a pretty good job today blending in with the team,” lauded the 59-year-old mentor.
“The players came out and played really well with his addition so they obviously took it very positively, the fact that he entered our team.”
For Black, what made them agree to the De Ocampo deal was what the latter can bring to the table — his skill in stretching the floor.
“We’ve tried to bring in floor spacers because we feel that we have a very dominant import,” said Black.
“I think the more we space the floor, the easier it’s gonna be for him inside the paint. It’s working well so far.”
The Bolts are motivated to improve their finish from the last Governor’s Cup, where they ended up as bridesmaids to the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. As their title aspirations continue, Black believes De Ocampo’s experience will help them greatly.
“We’re expecting Ranidel that he will be a big addition to our team and he’ll bring a lot of talent and experience that will help us down the stretch,” Black said.
“We’re happy to have him in the team right now.”
