12-time PBA champ Devance calls it a career

MANILA, Philippines — Veteran Joe Devance’s championship with Barangay Ginebra in the Governors’ Cup turned out to be the last in his long PBA career.

The 40-year-old Devance, one of the most senior players in the pro league, announced his retirement in an emotional post on Instagram yesterday, ending a PBA career that started in 2007.

He is leaving Asia’s first play-for-pay league with 12 championships, including six with the Gin Kings and a rare grand slam previously with BMEG in 2014.

“All the battles that I went through with all of my brothers in my career have led me to this time. I’m sad to say that now is the time to call it a career,” Devance said.

“I came into the PBA unsure of myself, not knowing if I will be able to make it and now (I’m) leaving the PBA with 12 championships.  I have said it before and I’ll say it again, I am blessed!”

Devance, who had suited up for Welcoat and Alaska in his first four years in the PBA, proved himself as an effective frontliner and eventually, a teacher to the young ones. Coaching could be up next for the three-time Mythical Second Team member and eight-time All-Star, who served as assistant to coach Tim Cone in the Gilas Pilipinas squad that copped the gold in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

The 6-foot-7 vet said retirement gives him more time with the family.

“I gave the game of basketball my body, mind and soul, everything I had. Now is the time to focus on my kids and family,” he said.

Notes: PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said the issue on NLEX guard Kiefer Ravena’s comeback after his Japan stint won’t be needing board action. “Nag-uusap pa sila (Ravena’s camp and NLEX). Hinihintay ko ano’ng magiging usapan nila. Pero hindi na ito board matter,” he said. Ravena is seeking to play one conference for NLEX then will return to Japan afterwards.