(PBA image)
What began as a seamless transition from hardwood hero to trusted mentor is now paying dividends for TNT Tropang 5G, with coach Chot Reyes crediting Ranidel De Ocampo for the steady rise of the team’s frontline this PBA Season 50.
Once one of the most reliable pillars in franchise history, De Ocampo has taken on a new role within the coaching staff, focusing on the development of TNT’s big men. According to Reyes, the impact has been clear, especially as the Tropang 5G push deeper into contention in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Reyes pointed to the noticeable growth of young bigs Henry Galinato and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, both of whom have stepped up in a major way while veteran center Poy Erram worked his way back from injury.
Galinato has provided energy and consistency in the paint, averaging 7.1 points and 5.8 rebounds, while Ganuelas-Rosser has delivered solid two-way production with norms of 10.3 points and 5.7 boards.
The influence of De Ocampo’s tutelage, however, hasn’t been limited to the younger core. Reyes also highlighted how former MVP Kelly Williams has reinvented part of his game, stretching the floor and becoming a legitimate threat from deep even at 43.
Williams is averaging 8.8 points and 4.6 assists, and he even reset his career high this season by drilling eight three-pointers on the way to a 28-point outing in an overtime win against Terrafirma during the eliminations.
For Reyes, those gains reflect De Ocampo’s daily presence and attention to detail, traits that once made him one of the league’s premier stretch fours and now define his work on the bench. He was quick to attribute the big men’s confidence and expanded skill sets to the steady guidance provided behind the scenes.
The timing of TNT’s surge made the moment even more fitting when De Ocampo’s iconic No. 33 jersey was officially retired over the weekend, honored in a special halftime ceremony during Game 3 of the semifinals against the Meralco Bolts.
For the Tropang 5G, it served as both a tribute to a franchise great and a reminder that RDO’s influence continues to shape winning basketball, even long after he stepped off the court.
