Alapag, De Ocampo out indefinitely for TnT

MANILA, Philippines – A three-month stint with Gilas Pilipinas took a lot of toll for Talk N’ Text players Ranidel De Ocampo and Jimmy Alapag. Both athletes played heavy minutes in the recent FIBA World Championships and Asian Games, which pushed their bodies to their limits.

In Sunday’s PBA Season 40 opener, Alapag and De Ocampo sat out in the Texters’ 81-101 loss to Barangay Ginebra.

Alapag, who is 36 years old and playing his 12th season in the PBA, told Philstar.com that he is just taking a break from the sport.

"It’s been a heavy three months that I've played for Gilas. I need a break,” Alapag said.

“I don’t know how long it would be. But knowing me, it won’t take long,” he added.

De Ocampo was likewise uncertain on his return to the hard court

"Di ko pa alam eh. Ayaw pa ako palaruin eh. Siguro magpapahinga pa ko,” said De Ocampo

Talk N’ Text is a team known to have one of the toughest All-Filipino rosters this. Coach Jong Uichico will certainly not take this loss lightly and will look forward to adjust until his two players are well rested and ready to suit up for the team.

"You don’t like losing naman. Whether it’s Ginebra or other teams. You just have to go back to the playing board and see how we can improve. Though we expected more, I expected more. We just have what we correct and improve as a team as the days go along,” said Uichico.

The Texters will play NLEX on Friday, October 24.