Joe Devance unretired to reinforce Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup playoffs. Here's what coach Tim Cone and LA Tenorio have to say about JDV's return.
When Barangay Ginebra San Miguel was looking for a someone to fill the gaping hole left by injured Isaac Go, Joe Devance just happened to be at the right place and right time.
The Gin Kings on Tuesday, September 24, reactivated Devance, who pulled the plug on an illustrious PBA career back in June 2022.
[ALSO READ: 12-time champion Joe Devance unretires, set for PBA return with Brgy. Ginebra]
“We’ve been looking for a big man for the last couple of weeks trying to fill the shoes of Isaac Go. It just happened that Joe was visiting and we just got the idea that, ‘Why not Joe?’” Cone told reporters shortly after the 30th PBA Press Corps Awards on the same day.
Devance was a logical choice for Cone and Ginebra.
The Filipino-American forward had been a longtime Cone apostle, a partnership that resulted in multiple championships from the then San Mig Coffee to the Gin Kings.
“He knows our system. He’s a great person to have. As I said earlier, he transcends the court, he’s so much more off the court than what people see, cause his personality, his leadership, his character, his contribution to chemistry is amazing. He’s logical guy for us to try.”
LA Tenorio could not agree more, adding JDV’s addition bodes well for a team still groping for form.
"Obviously he’s not game-shape ready but of course our expectations naman kay JDV is not the usual,” said the PBA veteran, who will square off against playoff rival Meralco in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.
Devance, like Tenorio, is expected to mentor the young bigs.
“I think it’s a big boost especially for our big guys. It’s a big help for our big guys to mentor our big guys. Malaking bagay sya,” the guard added.
“Hopefully makatulong sya, if not on the court, maybe outside the playing court or like what I’m doing with the guards, sya naman sa big guys. If he plays, then well see. Kung ano mabigay niya, we’ll take it.”
Devance confirmed the development on Tuesday.
"Through it all, it brought me back here! This is a surreal feeling I'm going through right now," Devance wrote in a social media post. "I'm honored to have this chance."
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel will compete against Governors' Cup rival Meralco Bolts in the best-of-five quarterfinals starting Thursday, September 26, at 5 p.m.
[ALSO READ: PBA quarterfinals: Ginebra clashes vs Meralco in another date with destiny]