Texters rally behind RDO

MANILA, Philippines - The good news is no surgery will be required to treat Talk ‘N’ Text forward Ranidel de Ocampo’s back injury. The better news is he could be discharged from the hospital today or tomorrow. And the best news is De Ocampo should be ready to resume practice in six to eight weeks.

A “small” tear was spotted in De Ocampo’s lower back through an MRI but Texters assistant coach Magnum Membrere said yesterday the condition is treatable with rest and therapy. De Ocampo was rushed to the hospital after he stiffened and couldn’t move his legs in attempting to lift exercise weights from a squat position at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center on the Ateneo grounds in Loyola Heights last Sunday morning.

Texters strength and conditioning coach Dexter Aseron immediately attended to De Ocampo who was immobilized in a stretcher and brought to the Makati Medical Center in an ambulance. “All of a sudden, Del couldn’t move,” said Membrere. “I was told he couldn’t move. He was in severe pain. He couldn’t lift his leg, particularly the left, because it was too painful. But he could move his toes. The day after, he could already move his legs and sit. So the worst is over.”

Texters coach Jong Uichico visited De Ocampo last Monday night and confirmed he’s on the road to recovery. Membrere added that he was in good spirits. “At first, Del was sad that something like this happened to him,” said Membrere. “But he’s over it now. Del works so hard in practice whether it’s in shooting, sprinting or running. He never skips drills, he makes sure he finishes everything. Del is a workhorse. He knows how important it is to be in top condition.”

Membrere said the Texters will overcome De Ocampo’s temporary loss and the season-opening 114-98 defeat to Alaska in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Friday. “We’re rallying behind Del,” he said. “What has made us stronger as a unit was the team-building we experienced in Palawan for six days before the season started. We were a group of 36, including our utility staff. The only ones missing were Troy (Rosario) who was in Dubai for the FIBA 3x3 World Tour, Danny (Seigle) who was called to Hawaii to be with his sick mother, Matt (Ganuelas) who still hadn’t come back from the US after Changsha, coach Nash (Racela) who was tied up with FEU in the UAAP and coach Tab (Baldwin) who was in Greece to attend his sister-in-law’s wedding. We never had a team-bonding exercise before because there was little time in the offseason due to Gilas commitments. Coach Jong asked for this exercise and it was very productive.”

Membrere said the team went through twice-a-day practices in Palawan. “We didn’t play any game until the last practice on Thursday where we split the team into two and scrimmaged,” he said. “We agreed that the losing side would sing and dance that night. As it turned out, everyone sang and danced. Mo (Tautuaa) was the star of the show, doing Michael Jackson’s ‘Man In The Mirror” with everyone singing along. Del sang an Andrew E song. The new guys Denok (Miranda), Oping (Sumalinog), Jai (Reyes) and Dylan (Ababou) also sang, mostly Boy Band songs.”

Membrere said right after arriving in Puerto Princesa, the team called on Palawan Gov. Jose Alvarez. The Texters also paid their respects to Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron. “We were honored that Gov. Alvarez took time out to see us,” said Membrere. “We were impressed by Gov. Alvarez’ humility and hospitality. We got to see a bit of Palawan and everyone wants to go back because it’s a wonderful destination. One of the highlights of our visit was the underground river tour.”

During the six-day program, the Texters were engaged in face-to-face private sessions with each other. Assistant coach Josh Reyes facilitated the exercise where the players took turns to sound off. In all, the trip involved gym work, personal bonding, tours and activities that cemented team unity.

Membrere said De Ocampo and Jayson Castro have assumed the responsibility of leading the Texters. “Del is more vocal as team captain,” he said. “Jayson takes care of our point guards Denok, Jai and Rob Labagala, talking to them, encouraging them. They’re both our leaders.”

Membrere said with the Texters’ depth, the sky’s the limit. “I don’t want to sound arrogant but I honestly think our team has the capability to win a Grand Slam,” he said. “We can do it if we want it. I think Ryan (Reyes) and Larry (Fonacier) will break out this season. They’re healthy and ready to go. Ryan is the PBA’s No. 1 defender in his position and there’s a reason why he was named to the Gilas pool. Our rookies Mo and Troy are working hard in the gym, doing extra post moves, extra shooting, extra running. Talk ‘N’ Text is all about the culture of winning. Even veteran Danny Seigle is motivated to work harder than ever, he’s dunking at practice, working on getting better. Our ultimate goal is to win championships.”

The Texters coaching staff is as solid as the cast of players. Uichico is assisted by Racela, Reyes and Bong Ravena with Baldwin as consultant. “They enjoy working with each other, they have a good relationship,” said Membrere. “Coach Jong was coach Tab’s assistant in Changsha now it’s the other way around in the PBA. The new guys are so happy to be on board. Denok, for instance, doesn’t feel like he’s a newcomer. Dylan is excited to be a part of a team that has the potential to win championships. Kelly (Williams) is still not 100 percent because of his knee injury but we expect him to be back in uniform in two weeks. Del and Jayson didn’t have to go to Palawan but insisted on joining even if they just came from Changsha. Del is a guy who’d rather play than sit at home because basketball is in his blood. That’s why we know he’ll be back with us sooner than later.”