Longtime coach Norman Black sung very high praises for his former player Ranidel de Ocampo, calling him the "best stretch 4 (power forward) we have ever seen."
The Meralco Bolts head coach said this in response to the 38-year-old's retirement announcement made last Monday after 15 years of playing professionally.
"He's probably the best stretch four we've ever seen. The only one I think can come close but I don't know whether I can put him in that category because he didn't really shoot a lot of threes is probably Danny Seigle," Black said on the An Eternity of Basketball podcast.
Black explained that while both can shoot perimeter jumpers, de Ocampo opted to use the three-ball more as a potent weapon during his playing days with FedEx/Air21, Talk 'N Text, Meralco, and Gilas Pilipinas.
The two had a long working relationship, having won three titles with TNT under Chot Reyes and another one under Jong Uichico.
Black was then named the head coach of the Tropang Texters before transferring to Meralco, where they eventually reunited.
He added that the 6'3" forward played at the right time, where he could use his accurate outside shooting to lure defenders out of the paint and free up the lane.
Furthermore, he recalled how de Ocampo's strength would rattle the interior defense, with help from an unorthodox approach.
"He was physical enough and I would say sometimes dirty enough to not take any crap off of anybody. He's got his share of deliberate fouls over the years. There's no question about that," told Black in jest.
Meralco, the mentor said, was informed by de Ocampo that he may soon announce his retirement, which was why he was not included in their Philippine Cup lineup. However, the team was unaware he would announce it when he did, Black said.
"Of course, we're sad to see him retire as we all have to retire one day, right? It happens to players," reflected Black.
"I think he's had a great career. Something to really be proud of. I'm happy to work with him. I'm happy to have won four championships with him and of course I wish him the best of luck. He and his family."