Meralco head coach Norman Black believes Ranidel de Ocampo is a perfect addition to the Bolts and his arrival couldn’t have come at a better time.
The veteran forward was shipped to Meralco Monday, marking the end of a colorful nine-year run with the Talk ‘N Text franchise.
“He fits us perfectly and he’s with us at the right time,” Black told INQUIRER.net Tuesday. “Ranidel is not only a talented and experienced player, he’s also very, very smart.”
The 6-foot-6 de Ocampo addresses the Bolts’ lack of big men and he gives the team another knock down shooter and reliable post player.
“The reason why we wanted him at Meralco it’s because he gives us another floor spacer, somebody who can stretch the floor,” said Black, who won four titles with de Ocampo at TNT.
“Our team is built around Durham and we want to surround him with guys who can shoot from the outside,” he added, referring to import Allen Durham, who is a menacing force in the paint.
Black hopes de Ocampo is Meralco’s missing piece of the puzzle to finally get over the hump.
The Bolts are currently among the top teams in the 2017 Governors’ Cup with a 6-2 record just half a game out of first place held by Barangay Ginebra and NLEX, who own similar 7-2 slates.
“We’re aiming to win a championship and we need him right now,” said Black, who has nothing but praise for the 35-year-old de Ocampo.
“Ranidel is still the best, if not one of the best stretch fours in the league today.”