RANIDEL De Ocampo's return at TnT Katropa couldn't have come at an opportune time.
With the retired veteran forward joining the franchise as part of the coaching staff, De Ocampo will have a chance to work on the game of young big man Troy Rosario.
RDO made no secret the 6-foot-7 Rosario reminds him of his younger self.
"Naa-alala ko (ang sarili ko) kay Troy. Parehong-pareho talaga kami ng laro," he said. "Kaya nga gusto ko rin na nandoon ako sa team para makasama ko ulit siya."
The two played together for two years but went their separate way when De Ocampo, 38, moved over to Meralco.
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Now that he's back with the Katropa as part of the coaching staff, RDO is looking to guide Rosario and help him further improve his game.
"Gusto ko rin kasi magkaroon siya ng sariling impact. Kumbaga hindi nila sasabihin na 'Ranidel De Ocampo' version (lang). Gusto ko meron siyang sarili."
But De Ocampo is not only keeping himself on Rosario.
"Gusto kong gabayan siya, sila Poy (Erram), at tsaka yung iba pang mga players," said RDO. "Siguro doon muna ako bilang coach."
The 28-year-old Rosario felt honored by the RDO comparison.
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"Malaking karangalan yun," he said. "Tama yung sabi niya na sana nga magkaroon ako ng sarili kong trademark."
With RDO behind, Troy certainly can't go wrong.(RG)
