Ranidel de Ocampo has MCL tear, says Chot Reyes

MATSUI Keijuro dives for the ball against Ranidel De Ocampo. PHOTO BY NUKI SABIO/PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines — Smart Gilas Pilipinas forward Ranidel de Ocampo has an MCL tear on his knee he suffered in the Nationals’ 90-71 win over Japan Monday night as per his coach Chot Reyes.

“People don’t know that Ranidel actually has an MCL [tear]. He wouldn’t be playing,” Reyes revealed after the Philippines’ 80-70 win over Qatar Tuesday night.

“He banged his knee pretty badly last night. That’s part of it,” Reyes said.

De Ocampo still played close to 17 minutes but was seemingly bothered by his injury after scoring just four points on two-of-six shooting from the field with two rebounds and a turnover.

“Remember, Ranidel sprained his ankle in the Kazakhstan tuneup, so his favoring that one ankle and his knee is bearing as well. So we’ll see. We’ll find out tomorrow,” Reyes said.

The Philippine National Team is slated to face the Hong Kong squad Wednesday.