By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Tagged as the best stretch power forward to ever play in the PBA, Ranidel de Ocampo decided to retire from the game he most loved after 15 illustrious seasons.
The Gilas Pilipinas legend confirmed through the 2OT podcast hosted by Carlo Pamintuan and Magoo Marjon during his guesting with fellow Gilas standout Marc Pingris.
“Paalam na sa basketball. Talagang naging buhay ko na ang basketball simula nung fourteen years old ako. Papasalamat ako kay Lord na binigyan niya ako ng career,” de Ocampo said during the podcast.
De Ocampo will be leaving the doors of the PBA as the best shooting big man to ever play, according to the majority of the basketball analysts, players, and coaches when asked.
Also, some veteran analysts and former PBA players including ex-teammate Jimmy Alapag emphasized that de Ocampo helped revolutionize the style of play for the PBA big man having the ability to knock down shots from long-distance to help stretch the floor.
The fourth pick during the 2004 PBA draft, de Ocampo’s shooting prowess as a power forward blossomed after Air21 Express traded him to Talk N Text.
Forming a dynasty together with Alapag, Ali Peek, Larry Fonacier, and Jayson Castro, the St. Francis of Assisi College standout helped TNT clinch several championships from 2009-2013.
Last 2017, de Ocampo was traded to the Meralco Bolts and helped propel the team to two PBA finals appearances although coming up short against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
Under his belt, de Ocampo notched a total of six championships, two Finals MVP awards, the 2014 Governor’s Cup Best Player of the Conference, became a nine-time All-Star, and a three-time member of the Mythical first team.
In his stint with Gilas, de Ocampo won two FIBA Asia silver medals, garnered a gold medal way back in 2003 during the Southeast Asian Games, and was part of the legendary Gilas squad who helped the Philippines qualify for the FIBA World Cup last 2014.
“Siguro time na para matapos ‘yung pagiging player. Siguro ibang landas naman ‘yung tatahakin natin,” de Ocampo added.
