PBL big man ready for the big plunge

Never in recent Philippine basketball history has a 6-foot-8 player created such a big impact in any league as Welcoat’s Yancy de Ocampo. Not only has he been Philippine Basketball League’s No. 1 guy off the boards, but also rises to deliver the needed points and the crucial blows, helping steer the Paint Masters to an unmatched record of four titles all via sweeps.

This year, he hopes to pursue the dream of facing bigger challenges in the Philippine Basketball Association. And many expect De Ocampo to emerge the No. 1 pick come the annual PBA Rookie Draft set Jan. 13 at the Glorietta Center in Makati.

If given the chance, Yancy wants to play for San Miguel — his favorite team since his childhood days. But any team will do. To realize the dream of setting foot in the PBA is what matters most.

"Kahit sinong player, ang pangarap talaga ay makapaglaro sa PBA. So para sa akin, it doesn’t matter kung magiging top pick ako o hindi. And any team will do. What’s important is I get to play in the PBA," said De Ocampo.

"Honestly, my expectations are not that high being a rookie, there’s so much to learn from the veterans. It will be a brand new start," he added.

Tagged as the next Marlou Aquino in the PBA, De Ocampo is just one of the 24 PBL players who applied for the 2002 PBA Annual Draft. The others include teammates Ren-Ren Ritualo, Jojo Manalo, Eugene Tan, Frederick Canlas and Celino Cruz; Shark’s Chester Tolomia and Gilbert Malabanan; Montana’s Aries Dimaunahan, Gilbert Lao, Jacques Gottenbos; Ateneo-Pioneer’s Leo Avenido, Miguel Noble Jr., Rainier Sison, Edrick Ferrer and Brandon Sison; Blu’s Francis Sanz, Edwin Bacani and erstwhile teammate Jason Misolas; Kutitap’s Rensy Bajar and ICTSI-La Salle Mike Cortez and Alvin Castro.

Born Nov. 11, 1980, Yancy got his big breaks playing for St. Francis of Assisi College junior team under Louie Alas and has bagged several MVP and Mytical team awards in the NCRAA.