De Ocampo jokes as challenge on LeBron goes viral: I made him popular

INQUIRER PHOTO/ Sherwin Vardeleon

Ranidel de Ocampo is already a household name in basketball crazy Philippines.

Then he went global over the weekend after taking part in LeBron James’ highlight video during his Strive For Greatness Show in Manila.

In the video that went viral, de Ocampo was seen trying to give James a dose of his own medicine as he attempted a chasedown block on the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar’s patented Statue-of-Liberty dunk during an exhibition game.

“Actually, I really wanted to challenge him, but I had already jumped when I realized that I won’t be able to get to him. But at the same time, I was okay to be included on his poster,” said the veteran forward.

“If you look at it, I made a lot of people laugh. I’m sure my face was able to reach different places in the world and I think I made LeBron popular,” De Ocampo added in jest.

Aside from the video that was shared by top websites in the US, a photo taken by the Inquirer’s Sherwin Vardeleon also made rounds on social media.

Almost got it Del!!😂 @jutaca33 https://t.co/ZzfkDS0Ltg

— Jimmy Alapag (@JAlapag3) September 2, 2017

The picture appears to show de Ocampo mirroring James from behind as the three-time NBA champion went for lift off.

Even de Ocampo’s former longtime teammate with TNT, Jimmy Alapag made fun out of it.