Ranidel Jr. chases volleyball success after hoops stint

Ranidel De Ocampo Jr. playing for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the Season 87 boys’ volleyball tournament. –UAAP PHOTO

It’s rare for a basketball player to shift to volleyball. Even rarer if that athlete is the son of one of the finest basketball players to ever play in and for the country.

Ranidel De Ocampo Jr., the son and namesake of the PBA and Gilas Pilipinas legend, is looking to make his mark in volleyball after trying his luck in basketball.

The 16-year-old De Ocampo played a second sport for Ateneo in UAAP Season 87, when he suited up for the Blue Eagles in the boys’ volleyball tournament after a stint with the basketball squad in the inaugural junior high school basketball tournament.

The second-generation student-athlete has been enjoying his time as a middle blocker for Ateneo. But he admitted that he still has a lot to work on since shifting to volleyball last summer.

“I’m happy that I am improving somehow,” Ranidel Jr. told the UAAP media team. “I still need to clean up my work because I am just new [to the sport]. [I just need to] work more to further improve my game.”

The 6-foot-6 De Ocampo admitted that his decision to switch sports wasn’t easy—more because of personal reasons.

“It was difficult to leave basketball because I felt like I didn’t want to disappoint [my parents and my coaches],” De Ocampo said. “I apologized and told them that I needed to, chose to shift [sports].”

Senior’s support

“My parents were the ones who influenced me to try basketball. And I tried and pushed myself in basketball but, eventually, it felt like I couldn’t do it,” added the Ateneo standout, who said part of his decision to leave basketball was watching his sisters, Stephanie and Madelaine, have the time of their lives playing volleyball.

“I realized I enjoy playing volleyball,” he said.

As it turned out, though, he didn’t need to worry. Ranidel Sr. was supportive of his son’s decision, even sharing some reminders.

“He told me to just keep working because the moment I stop, there will be a huge [slide in my game]. So focus, work, enjoy and listen to my coaches,” De Ocampo said.