Decorated forward Ranidel De Ocampo is now back with the team where he enjoyed the most success in his career — Talk N Text (TnT).
Only this time, he won’t be playing but will be functioning as an assistant coach.
It wasn’t long ago when De Ocampo announced his retirement from professional basketball. After battling numerous injuries during his time with Meralco, the team he was traded to by TnT in 2017, De Ocampo felt it was time for him to hang up his sneakers for good in April but left the door ajar for a possible coaching stint.
"Kung may gustong isali ako sa staff nila, puwede naming i-consider," he mused last April.
TnT certainly did not waste any time in getting in touch with De Ocampo, a veteran leader who helped lead the KaTropa to six Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) titles during his nine-year stint there.
"Coach Ranidel brings us a wealth of championship experience and basketball knowledge that will definitely help our team reach our aspirations for another championship," read the statement that was released by TnT team manager Gabby Cui on Monday, June 29, 2020.
De Ocampo brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. During his stay with TnT, he also spent time playing for the Gilas Pilipinas and was part of the team that finished second in the 2013 FIBA Asia Men's Championship and earned a berth to the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain.
Aside from that, De Ocampo was a nine-time All Star, a three-time member of the Mythical First Team, a two-time Finals Most Valuable Player and adjudged Best Player of the Conference in the 2014 Governors’ Cup. (JNP)