MANILA, Philippines—Ranidel De Ocampo has effectively closed the door on playing professionally but he won’t mind returning to the game he loves.
In a report from PBA.ph, the sweet-shooting big man is open to becoming a coach in the future but he’s not someone to force the issue.
“Right now I really can’t tell but if there’s a team that wants me on its staff then I can consider it,” said De Ocampo in Filipino.
The 38-year-old power forward had to step away from the game due to injuries the past two years announcing his retirement on Monday.
De Ocampo played for 15 seasons with FedEx, TNT, and Meralco and had career averages of 12 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting at the mid 30s in terms of three-point percentage.
His long-range abilities made him a reliable asset in multiple Gilas Pilipinas teams with the 6-foot-5 forward putting up 6.6 points and 3.2 rebounds in all senior Fiba competitions.
An MVP Group mainstay, he wouldn’t mind joining the staff of Meralco head coach Norman Black.
“Well I hope so I won’t go far,” said De Ocampo who also got the nod of Gilas consultant Tab Baldwin who voiced his opinion regarding the forward’s coaching possibility with the national program.
De Ocampo, though, would rather enjoy retirement first and take care of his business.
“I’ll just focus first on my business and then if there’s an opportunity in the field of basketball I might grab it,” said De Ocampo. “And now I have more time with my family.”