TNT’S ROCK
Six games into the Commissioner’s Cup, Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black is convinced that Ranidel de Ocampo’s long range shooting could easily complement import Richard Howell’s inside game.
The 6-6 De Ocampo actually flaunted his outside shooting during the team’s two-game schedule this past week.
The former St. Francis of Assissi Doves forward banged in 15 points, leading Talk ‘N Text’s early offensive to turn its collision with sister team Meralco into a one-sided contest via a 91-68 victory on Friday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Two days later, De Ocampo, a Gilas Pilipinas mainstay, continued his torrid outside shooting, lifting the Tropang Texters to a 94-87 victory over the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings behind his team-high 28 points built around four three-point shots.
The 32-year-old pride of Tanza, Cavite averaged 21.5 points on 62.5 percent field goal shooting, on the way to earning his first Accel-PBA Player of the Week citation for the period of March 17-23. He bested San Miguel Beer sharp shooter Marcio Lassiter for the weekly citation.
“Ranidel has been a rock for us and us a huge part of our team,” Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black said in describing De Ocampo’s overall value to the franchise’s quest for the Commissioner’s Cup title this season. “He has been very consistent and productive this conference.”
“His combination with Richard Howell has given us a solid inside and out game,” added the former PBA grand slam coach.
The Tropang Texters’ back-to-back victories for the week also kept them ahead of the 10-team field with their league-best 6-0 win-loss record.
Talk ‘N Text takes a week long break before returning to action on March 31 against San Mig Super Coffee. (RD)
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