Ranidel De Ocampo retiring from PBA

A six-time PBA champ with TNT, Ranidel De Ocampo is now setting his sights at retirement. PBA Media Group (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Ranidel De Ocampo is now setting his sights at retirement from the PBA.

De Ocampo told Carlo Pamintuan and Magoo Marjon in the 2OT Podcast on Monday that he is now calling it a career after 15 seasons.

"Paalam na sa basketball. Talagang naging buhay ko ang basketball simula noong 14 years old ako. Nagpapasalamat ako kay Lord na binigyan niya ako ng magandang career. Siguro time na para matapos na ang pagiging player. Siguro ibang landas naman yung tatahakin natin," the 38-year-old forward said.

De Ocampo clarified that he has yet to make a formal announcement, but he added, "Doon na rin ako papunta eh."

De Ocampo, the fourth overall pick of the talented 2004 draft who was selected right after Marc Pingris, the other guest in the said podcast, added that his recent injury history led him to consider retiring.

"Lagi akong nai-injury, kaya siguro panahon na magpahinga sa basketball," De Ocampo further said.

When further asked if he can still consider playing for Meralco for the Philippine Cup once it resumes by June the soonest, De Ocampo answered that he may not entertain that thought.

"Ito na siguro [yung panahon para mag-retiro] kasi wala na akong kontrata eh," he added, explicitly saying that he is now a free agent after playing for the Bolts last season.

He further said that he does not want to disappoint teams that may consider signing him if he gets injured again.

De Ocampo won six PBA championships, all with TNT, and was part of the Gilas Pilipinas Men team that played in the 2014 FIBA World Cup, the Philippines' first appearance in the said tournament after 36 years.

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