MANILA, Philippines - Ito na ang masasabing pinakamagandang panimula ni Joe Devance sa isang komperensya.
Mula sa kanyang dala-wang sunod na kabayani-han para sa Alaska sa elimination round ng 2010-2011 PBA Philippine Cup, kinilala ang Fil-American forward bilang Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week para sa linggo ng Oktubre 11 hanggang 17.
Nagtala ang 6-foot-7 southpaw ng mga avera-ges na 24.5 points at 9.5 rebounds bukod pa ang magandang 5-of-9 shoo-ting sa three-point range sa nakaraang dalawang laro ng Aces.
“Joe has been doing it with great versatility--hitting 3’s, penetrating with drives to the basket, and taking his man down into the post. Plus, he’s been a primary ballhandler in the triangle,” ani Alaska head coach Tim Cone.
“He’s playing at a very high level and well deserves the award. I’m happy for him,” dagdag pa nito kay Devance.
Sa tatlong laro ng Aces, nagposte si Devance ng mga averages na 24.3 points at 10.3 rebounds at 9-of-15 clip sa 3-point land.
Mula sa pagkakatirintas ng kanyang kulot na buhok, pinabayaan ito ni Devance na gulu-gulo.
“I just have a whole new outlook on the game,” wika ng 28-anyos na 2007 top overall pick. “I kind of approach the game a little less tense. I just put in my head I cannot control the game, I can only control how hard and smart I am playing.”
Si Devance ang pumalit sa nagretiro nang si team co-captain Jeff Cariaso bilang lider ng Alaska.
“I try to be more of a team leader behind Tony (dela Cruz) now that Jeff’s not here. Every time I step onto the court, to give me peace, I think of my family. They give me so much power to get through a lot of things,” sabi ni Devance.