De Ocampo drops 20 points to announce comeback

Ranidel De Ocampo announced his return to the PBA with a bang as he finished with 20 points, four rebounds, and three assists in Tropang TNT's opening game victory against Blackwater on Wednesday night.

 

Playing only his second game of the season after injuring his back early in the Philippine Cup, the Gilas Pilipinas stalwart did not waste time making his presence felt for TNT

 

De Ocampo shot 58.3 percent from the field for TNT, which sorely missed his services.

 

"Sobrang na-miss kong maglaro e, sabik na sabik talaga akong maglaro," he said. 

 

"Kaya nagpapasalamat ako kay God pinabalik niya ako sa paglalaro ng basketball."

 

The veteran big man had to play 28 minutes in his first game back with the absence of import Ivan Johnson, who was serving a suspension. RDO immediately stepped up to become the Best Player of the Game.

 

De Ocampo said he's still having a hard time adjusting after getting sidelined for more than three months, but he said his excitement and desire to be back carried him through the game.

 

"Sa ngayon, kailangan ko pa ng mga ilang laro e para masabi ko na kumpleto na ako," he said.

 

The TNT forward continues to undergo therapy, but he said he is well enough to play without being overly concerned with his back.

 

"Na-adjust ko na 'yung isip ko e. Nung mga unang practice ko dun ako medyo naiilang, nag-wo-worry, ganyan," he said. "Kailangan ko pala talagang confident para pag naglaro wala akong iniisip."

 

He also said he is motivated by the chance to defend TNT's Commissioner's Cup title.

 

"Masarap sa pakiramdam 'yung manalo sa unang game. Ganito kasi 'yung nangyari last time na nag-champion kami, good start, so sana mangyari ulit." — APG, GMA News