Ranidel De Ocampo justifies Toroman’s choice

WUHAN, China—A last-minute casualty of the final national team roster in previous Asian championship, Ranidel De Ocampo has been proving his worth with Smart Gilas Pilipinas this time.

The 6-foot-6 power forward has emerged as a potent alternate back-up for naturalized center Marcus Douthit in the paint after six games of the 26th Fiba Asia Championship.

De Ocampo’s averages of 6.5 points and four rebounds every night are deceiving because he does several crucial intangibles not found on the stats sheet.

And Smart Gilas’ victories over Jordan, Japan and Syria in the second round of the Olympic qualifier will attest to that.

“He’s an intelligent player who easily grasped the system,” said Gilas coach Rajko Toroman. “He also provides depth in the power forward position.”

The Serbian mentor now has the luxury of using a variety of frontline combinations from among De Ocampo, Douthit, Japeth Aguilar, Kelly Williams and Asi Taulava.

De Ocampo, the Talk ‘N Text banger, was actually a last-minute pick by Toroman after Dondon Hontiveros begged off due to fatigue after the Jones Cup in July.

De Ocampo, 30, didn’t make the final lineup of coach Chot Reyes’ PBA-powered team in 2007 Tokushima, Japan, and was again cut from coach Yeng Guiao’s roster two years ago in Tianjin.
“He was cut on the last day before the championship (Tianjin), so this is his first time in Fiba Asia,” said Toroman.

De Ocampo thanked his coach for the trust, as well as Talk ‘N Text and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas “for letting me represent the national team.”

“I’ll always give my best for the national team,” he said.