The TNT Tropang 5G will honor Ranidel de Ocampo via a jersey retirement at the halftime break of TNT and Meralco's Game 3 semifinal clash in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Ranidel de Ocampo was beaming with pride and gratitude when he faced reporters at the end of TNT’s 109-92 win over Meralco in Game 2 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals last Wednesday, Jan. 7.
That’s because the Tropang 5G assistant coach will receive the ultimate honor from the franchise by way of a jersey retirement set Friday, Jan. 9.
“Siyempre, very proud kasi bihira lang 'yong nabibigyan ng ganitong recognition,” said the former TNT stretch four.
[ALSO READ: PBA: Calvin Oftana, TNT go for commanding lead vs Meralco in PH Cup semis]
Drafted by FedEx in 2004, RDO was traded to Talk ’N Text in 2008. From then until he was shipped to Meralco in 2017, De Ocampo helped the team win six championships and won Finals Most Valuable Player awards in two of them.
With the upcoming ceremony, De Ocampo is over the moon that he can finally be called a TNT and PBA legend.
“Ngayon, ang nararamandaman ko, proud kasi nabigyan ng pansin 'yong, kumbaga, magiging legend ako, eh, 'di ba?” De Ocampo said.
“So masarap din 'pag natatawag kang legend, PBA legend. At the same time, parang nagbunga ang pinaghirapan mo.”
[ALSO READ: PBA: CJ Cansino sees recent struggles as his 'teacher' heading to Game 3 of Meralco-TNT semis series]
The 44-year-old expressed his gratitude to the management, including team manager Jojo Lastimosa, coach Chot Reyes, team governor and PBA chairman Ricky Vargas and Manny V. Pangilinan.
“Ang talagang nagplano nito, si Boss Jolas. Siyempre, mayroon ding [involvement] ng management namin… nagpapasalamat ako sa kanila,” De Ocampo said.
He will join other TNT legends in Jimmy Alapag and Harvey Carey, whose jerseys were also retired by the franchise.
[ALSO READ: Guiao proposes to retire Gabe Norwood’s Rain or Shine jersey: 'Epitome of loyalty, decency, being professional']
—
Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.