Ranidel De Ocampo is back
Still one of the PBA’s best forwards, De Ocampo made his return to the Meralco Bolts — also his season debut — on Friday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, as the Orangemen battled arch-nemeses Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
And it was a return fit for the 36-year-old. The Bolts gave De Ocampo a warm welcome by dismantling the Barangay, 93-82, spoiling the return of Justin Brownlee — their tormentor in the last two seasons — in the process.
“Masarap [makabalik],” expressed the 14-year league veteran moments after the victory, where he finished with five points, three rebounds, and three assists in the 21 minutes and 47 seconds he graced the floor.
“Proud lang ako kasi nakatulong ako sa team kahit paano at proud ako sa teammates ko kasi talagang nagtrabaho sila sa opensa at depensa, lalo na yung import namin at coaching staff ang ganda ng game plan.”
If there’s somebody who’s glad to see De Ocampo on the floor, it’s none other than Meralco head coach Norman Black.
“He’s still a little bit rusty but what he does is give us a threat. Every time he’s on the floor, the other team has to respect the fact that he can make shots from inside and out,” remarked the multi-titled bench strategist.
“It’s nice to have [him] back.”
The Bolts are now third at the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup rankings with a 4-2 card, and their chances of making it into the playoffs are high. With that, De Ocampo looks to regain his form to be more prepared for the next round.
“Four practices pa lang yung full. Kahit paano naano naman, natimpla naman,” shared De Ocampo, a six-time champion. “Eighteen to twenty minutes muna ako, siguro ganun muna hanggang makita na ok na lahat, yung katawan, yung timing.
“Lalo na mas gusto namin kumpleto kami sa playoffs, maging kumpleto kami, maging handa kami.”
