By JONAS TERRADO
Ranidel de Ocampo announced his retirement on Monday after 15 seasons in the PBA and memorable stints representing Gilas Pilipinas.
“At first, I only saw basketball as a sport that I like to watch. It has never crossed my mind that it will become one of the biggest part of my life,” De Ocampo said Monday night on his Instagram account.
“I started playing serious basketball at the age of 14. At 38, with the guidance of the Lord and my family, I am now announcing my retirement as a Professional Basketball Player. Because of basketball, I successfully fulfilled my dreams and gained so much lessons and values. I was able to represent and fight for our country and entertain basketball fanatics.
“I can now spend more time with my family. I thank the Lord for giving me a great and fruitful career. To all my coaches and teammates, friends and fans, thank you for being a part of my basketball journey. Thank you Lord,” he added.
The 38-year-old’s decision came hours after revealing his retirement plans in a podcast hosted by PBA commentators Magoo Marjon and Carlo Pamintuan, citing injuries as the reason.
De Ocampo had been dealing with a rash of injuries that forced him to play just 30 out of the possible 86 games with Meralco over the past two seasons.
“Marupok na e. Wala na e,” he said.
Considered as one of the best players outside of the UAAP and NCAA, De Ocampo won six championships, two Finals Most Valuable Player award, a Best Player of the Conference plum in the 2014 Governors’ Cup and a three-time member of the Mythical First Team during his career with FedEx/Air, Talk ’N Text and Meralco.
It was at TNT where De Ocampo won all of his championships, including three straight Philippine Cups from 2011 to 2013.
But most people will remember De Ocampo for his part in some of Gilas’ historic feats on the international scene, namely the 2012 William Jones Cup title, runner-up finishes in the 2013 and 2015 FIBA Asia Championship and the 2014 FIBA World Cup.
The 2013 Asian Championship, played in front of home fans at the Mall of Asia Arena, was arguably De Ocampo’s best national stint. With him and Pingris having to make up for the absence of the injured Marcus Douthit, Gilas beat South Korea in the semifinals to earn a World Cup berth for the first time since 1974.
