Big switch: Ranidel de Ocampo Jr. drops basketball for volleyball

MANILA, Philippines – Ranidel de Ocampo Jr. was once tipped to be the heir apparent to his father and namesake.

Standing at 6-foot-7 at just 16 years old, De Ocampo grew up learning post moves and paint operations on the hard court, just like his PBA champion father also popularly known as RDO. 

But after years of trying to emulate the pro basketball star and Gilas Pilipinas legend, Ateneo’s RDO Jr. felt like he had something more to prove, but in a different ballgame.

De Ocampo shifted from basketball to volleyball, admitting it wasn’t easy but it felt right.

“It feels like I’m more comfortable here,” said De Ocampo in Filipino. “Of course, shifting sports is really hard. But for now, I see myself improving every day in volleyball.”

RDO Jr. was once a prospect in the Gilas Pilipinas Youth program, participating in the SEABA U-16 tournament in July 2023 as one of the team’s practice players. 

He also played for the Blue Eagles in the inaugural UAAP juniors basketball tournament last season, where he only suited up for five games before taking a courageous switch this season. 

  

According to Ateneo boys’ volleyball coach Babes Castillo, the second-generation athlete caught his eye when he saw him glancing at their volleyball practices while training for the high school basketball squad. 

“It was really [just proximity] because the courts in Ateneo were across each other,” Castillo said in Filipino. 

“But what’s peculiar was when he was practicing for the basketball team a few months ago, I noticed him looking at our volleyball practices.”

“I always see him looking at our practices,” he added. “It’s like how can I not notice, since he is big, he really stands out from everybody. Then, his former classmate asked him if he wanted to try volleyball.”

From there, Castillo facilitated the teen athlete’s jump from basketball to volleyball, bringing him into the volleyball squad after playing for the basketball team at the Jesuit Athletic Meet in Laguna. 

According to RDO Jr., his family, including his father Ranidel, embraced his decision. He also credited his older sisters for encouraging him to go for the switch. 

  

As he tries to make a name for himself in volleyball, RDO Jr. continues to bring the lessons taught by his dad throughout his years of learning basketball. 

“Even if I have left basketball, the lessons from there are still with me. My dad has also taught me about being tough and strong on the court, which is what I am trying to bring here (in volleyball),” said the Grade 11 athlete.  

RDO Jr. also admitted that he underestimated how tough it was to learn volleyball, considering that all his life practically revolved around knowing the ins and outs of another sport.

“I realized that there was more to the game than I first thought,” he said. “Unlike basketball, there were a lot more reads here, and I really have to be quicker, not just physically, but also mentally.”

Using his tall frame to his advantage, De Ocampo currently leads his team in blocks with 12 kill blocks so far, ranking seventh across the tournament. However, the Blue Eagles have yet to find their groove as they remain near-bottom of the standings.

Despite the record, RDO Jr. has given his full trust in Castillo, the former National University coach who played a pivotal role in the development of current volleyball stars Jennifer Nierva, Faith Nisperos, Alyssa Solomon, and Bella Belen. 

“I trust my coaches in giving me the proper training to improve every day,” RDO Jr. said. 

For Castillo, he believes a star, just like his other prodigies before, can be molded out of De Ocampo. 

“I believe he can be elite in this. He is a curious kid and I can tell that he wants to learn the game. Besides, he has the tools to do it. It’s not everyday that a 6-foot-7 kid can be as agile as he is right now,” he said. 

“That’s why, with the proper mentality, I think he can turn into an elite player.”

To which RDO Jr. whispered, “someday.” – Rappler.com