Jun 23, 2018

Ranidel de Ocampo has mixed emotions playing against TNT

Playing his first game against TNT since being traded to Meralco in September last year, Ranidel de Ocampo wouldn't deny the emotions he had on Friday's game.

"Mixed emotions. Mixed feelings," he admitted moments after the Bolts' 91-85 defeat to the KaTropa.

But de Ocampo would be the first to admit that it's a whole different TNT team he's facing, one which has been ripe with changes after several roster movements to get younger.

"Iba na rin sila kasi siyempre marami na silang bagong player. Ilan nalang naman din ang nakasama ko doon eh," he said.

From the last KaTropa team that won a championship, only Jayson Castro, Kelly Williams, Ryan Reyes, and TNT lifer Harvey Carey remains on the team.

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De Ocampo did have a chance to share some words with his ex-teammates during the course of the game, but maintained that everything is just fun and games and his focus remained on helping Meralco win.

Unfortunately, his 11 points and six rebounds wasn't enough to nab the victory for his side.

Still, that won't stop de Ocampo from fantasizing another duel between the two teams as he hopes that it happens as soon as the playoffs.

"Syempre match-up naman talaga yung TNT at Meralco kahit dati pa. Siguro kung magkaharap kami next time, mas magiging maganda yung laban katulad nito," he said, vowing to avenge this defeat and score one over his former team.

And what better way for that redemption to come in the playoffs, as de Ocampo expects a classic if that scenario happens.

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"Syempre ibang storya na yun pag nagkaharap kami sa playoffs. First time namin sila nakaharap ngayon, siguro sa susunod mas exciting, mas grabe at mas intense," he said.