Ranidel De Ocampo vs Reil Cervantes. PBA IMAGES
It only took Ranidel de Ocampo 23 seconds into the new conference to remind TNT of what it had missed when a freak gym accident ended his Philippine Cup stint.
De Ocampo scored the first basket of the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup and went on to finish with 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting in his first game back from back injury that sidelined him for almost four months.
“We really missed him last conference but now he’s back,” TNT head coach Jong Uichico told reporters after a 108-102 win over Blackwater on Wednesday.
READ: Import-less TNT overcomes Lastimosa, Blackwater
The 34-year-old De Ocampo’s return couldn’t have come at a better time with TNT playing minus its suspended import Ivan Johnson and injured big man Troy Rosario.
“Fortunately for us, Ranidel’s here and now we have a threat inside unlike before,” TNT guard Jayson Castro said in Filipino. “When he’s here we get to do a lot of things.”
Despite having an impressive performance, De Ocampo said he is still experiencing some tightness in his back and it will take him more games to get back his old form.
READ: TNT import Ivan Johnson fined after tuneup brawl
“It’s a great feeling that we won in my first game back,” said De Ocampo, who also collected four rebounds, three assists and two steals in 28 minutes and 14 seconds on the floor.
“It was hard because I haven’t played in a long time. But I was really excited to play and maybe that’s the reason why I played well. I thank everyone who prayed for me and supported me.”
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De Ocampo said he played without any fears that he could get himself hurt again.
“I’ve already prepared and adjusted myself mentally. I was worried about it during my first practices with the team. But I still need to be more confident.”