RDO glad to join a rarified air with TNT jersey retirement
At A Glance
- TNT assistant coach Ranidel de Ocampo is set to join an exclusive club as the Tropang 5G plan to retire his number 33 jersey after spending most of his career with the telecommunication franchise.
TNT assistant coach Ranidel de Ocampo is set to join an exclusive club as the Tropang 5G plan to retire his No. 33 jersey after spending most of his career with the telecommunication franchise.
De Ocampo said he has nothing but gratitude to TNT management for giving him the chance to retire his jersey — a rare opportunity that was only given to two former TNT players, Harvey Carey (No. 4) and Jimmy Alapag (No. 3).
“Very proud kasi bihira lang naman yung nabibigyan ng ganitong recognition. Proud, kasi parang magiging legend ako, e. Masarap din kapag natatawag kang legend, PBA legend,” de Ocampo told reporters after the Tropang 5G’s 109-92 win.
“Parang nagbunga yung pinag-hirapan mo,” he added.
The 44-year-old former player, who was one of the first forwards who revolutionized the ‘stretch four’ position, also thanked TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa for initiating the move which was also given the green light by team owner Manny V. Pangilinan and TNT team governor Ricky Vargas.
Acquired by the TNT franchise through a trade in 2008, De Ocampo had become a pivotal part of the team through the years and was crucial to the team’s six championships.
He was a two-time Finals MVP and a three-time Mythical First team member.
De Ocampo also expressed appreciation of his fans and TNT supporters who also stood by him through the years.
“Kasama ko sa pag asenso sa pagiging successful ng career ko yung pamilya ko, magulang ko, mga kapatid ko. At siyempre yung solid TNT fans at siyempre yung Team RDO Exclusive. Nagpapasalamat ako sa kanila ngayon na hindi na ako naglalaro pero andyan pa rin sila sumusuporta.”