BASKETBALL has been his life that even in retirement, Ranidel De Ocampo remains involve in the game he loves most.
"Basketball naman yan na ang buhay ko. Basketball pa din naman, ibang career nga lang, coaching (na). At leasts gusto ko pa rin yung ginagawa ko," said the recently retired veteran.
De Ocampo, 38, joins a stacked up coaching staff of TnT Katropa after formally being introduced by management on Monday as the latest deputy to head mentor Bong Ravena and active consultant Mark Dickel.
He's now part of the Katropa's army of assistant coaches that included Josh Reyes, Sandy Arespacochaga, Roel Escueta, and Alton Lister, the former NBA big man.
The six-time PBA champion and twice Finals MVP considers this new career a challenge for him.
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"Malaking adjustment ito para sa akin. Pero lahat naman diyan nag-uumpisa," said RDO. "Sa ngayon kung ano lang muna ang kaya kong gawin."
The 6-foot-6 De Ocampo retired last April after a 16-year career that saw him play for Air21, TnT, and Meralco.
While he retired as a Bolt, it was during his stint with the Katropa that RDO reached the peak of his playing career after winning a total of six titles with the franchise.
As TnT's celebrated 'stretch 4,' De Ocampo also made the Mythical First Team thrice and was once Best Player of the Conference (2014 Governors Cup).
Now that he's back with his former mother ballclub in a different capacity, the native of Tanza, Cavite hopes to help the Katropa win another championship off the bench.
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"Siyempre gusto kong makatulong sa team, gusto kong maka-champion ulit yung team at manalo," RDO said. "Yun naman ang gusto ko, makatulong sa team, and at the same time, matuto sa mga coaches." (RG)
