MANILA – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings forward Joe Devance has ended his 16-year PBA career that saw him won 12 championships, including a grand slam.
The Escalante City, Negros Occidental native announced his retirement in an Instagram post on Wednesday, ending speculations as to why his name was not included in Ginebra’s roster for the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup.
“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,” the 40-year-old Filipino-American said.
“I came into the PBA unsure of myself, not knowing if I will be able to make it, and now leaving the PBA with 12 championships. I have said it before and I’ll say it again, I am blessed,” Devance added.
The 6-foot-7 Devance started his PBA career as the No.1 overall pick by Welcoat Dragons (now Rain or Shine Elasto Painters) in 2007. He was then traded to Alaska Aces after just a year.
Devance captured his first-ever PBA title with the Aces before being traded to Magnolia Hotshots franchise in 2011 and won five PBA titles, including a grand slam in 2014.
The Negrense forward then joined head coach Tim Cone at the Gin Kings camp beginning in 2015 and bagged six more PBA titles, including the 2021-2022 PBA Governors’ Cup recently.
“I have spent 30 years playing basketball and the past 16 years playing professional basketball in the PBA. I have made and built so many relationships within that time that will remain in my memories for a lifetime,” Devance said.
“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,” he added.
Devance concluded his retirement post by thanking all the teams and coaches he played for, as well as the fans for their support over the years./PN
