Philipine Basketball Association’s two of the best “Stretch Four”s were pushed to the limelight during the government-imposed Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) as Ranidel de Ocampo announced his retirement and Nelson Asaytono survived a heart attack scare.
De Ocampo bids adieu from the PBA as he announced his retirement on April 13, 2020 through his social media accounts.
“Because of basketball, I successfully fulfilled my dreams and gained so much lessons and values. I was able to represent and fight for our country and entertain basketball fanatics”, stated de Ocampo.
He also stated that he only like to watch basketball at first and the thought that the sport will become a big part of his life never crossed his mind. He said he only started playing serious basketball at 14.
The 6-foot-6 de Ocampo went on to be drafted by the defunct FedEx Express and played a brilliant 15 years in the PBA decorated with accomplishments that includes nine all-star inclusions, six titles, two Finals MVPs and a Best Player of the Conference.
This is aside from the two silver medals he got in the FIBA Asia Cup while representing the Philippines as a member of the fabled Gilas Team.
He also suited up for the Talk N Text and Meralco franchises during his career, compiling 7,746 points, 3,844 rebounds and 1,273 assists in 646 games played.
“RDO33” was drafted 4th overall in 2004 by the FedEx franchise and played with them from 2004 to mid-2008. His stint was cut short when he was traded in the middle of the 2008–09 PBA Philippine Cup to the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters for Don Allado.
His play helped the Tropan Texters defeat the Alaska Aces in the finals of that conference, 4-3, for his first PBA title.
He lasted the longest with Talk ‘N Text, a stint spanning over eight years. He was dealt to the Meralco Bolts on September 11, 2017.
He was included in the Gilas Pilipinas roster that placed second in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship held in Manila that resulted to an appearance in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
De Ocampo buried a crucial three point late in the fourth quarter of their game against Korea which secured Gilas a slot in the World Cup.
In July 2016, de Ocampo announced his retirement from international basketball after Gilas lost to New Zealand during the FIBA qualifiers that ended their bid for a post in the 2016 Olympics.
Meanwhile, The PBA announced its intention to extend financial assistance to Asaytono after he suffered a heart attack during the Holy Week in Cavite.
The PBA stated that the 53-year old Asaytono was brought to a hospital in General Trias City on April 7 and was eventually discharged on April 11. He is said to be currently resting and recuperating at his home.
The native of Oriental Mindoro played 17 years in the PBA and was known as ‘The Bull’ for his power moves and strong drives to the basket.
He won a total of seven championships during his stint with Purefoods, Swift, and Red Bull.
He was a strong contender for in a tight race for the MVP twice, voted a Best Player of the Conference twice and an All-Star 10 times.
He retired in 2006 finishing fifth in the all-time scoring list with 12,268 points in 820 games only behind Ramon Fernandez, Abet Guidaben, Alvin Patrimonio, and Atoy Co.
He also pulled down 4,469 rebounds, issued 1,336 assists and swatted 417 shots.
Asaytono was once involved in PBA history controversy when he was not included both in the Greatest 25, then the subsequent Greatest 40 PBA Players of All-Time. A lot of basketball fans, experts and former PBA players were disappointed in his non-inclusion to the list.
Both de Ocampo and Asaytono played the position of power forwards which traditionally play close to the basket, because they can use their size and strength to provide interior defense, scoring close to the basket and rebounding.
Both, however, were arguably the two of the best power forwards who ever played in the PBA that have the ability to connect shots from longer range, making them the cream of “stretch fours”.
A stretch four is a power forward who has size combined with consistent shooting skills, especially three-point shots, making their defensive man, usually a fellow big, follow and cover them at all times wherever they are, thereby preventing the paint from clogging.
The 6-foot-6 De Ocampo is had buried 817 three-pointers – the third most among all PBA bigs, next to Mick Pennisi and Arwind Santos. Asaytono canned 441 triples during his career.
By: ARMANDO M. BOLISLIS
Banner illustration by Don Ray Ramos
