MANILA – Retirement has not yet crossed the mind of Negrense forward Joe Devance of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings as he aims to break the championship feat of Magnolia Hotshots slotman Rafael Reavis.
The six-foot-seven Devance is currently tied with Reavis among the active players with the most number of PBA championships at 11 following the Kings’ 2020 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup triumph over the TNT Tropang Giga.
“Well, I didn’t [think] I was going to get to as many championships as I have,” said the Escalante City, Negros Occidental-native Devance in his latest vlog. “I will be back for sure in the next conference.”
“It means so much to me that the career I’ve had, the support I’ve had from my teammates, coaches, the fans and my family is just a great experience. I’m just blessed and thankful,” he added.
All of Devance’s 11 championships in his PBA career were under veteran coach Tim Cone’s watch – five when he was still with Purefoods franchise, five with the Kings and one with the Alaska Aces.
The 38-year-old Devance is still a vital cog for the Kings in clinching its first All-Filipino crown in 13 years. He averaged 3.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 12 minutes and was even part of the starting unit in the last two games.
“He’s not the winningest coach for no reason,” said Devance. “I’m just thankful that I have his support my whole career. “He’s wanted me his whole career. I don’t think there is another player he’s had that has been with him for so long other than myself. I don’t know.”
After tying Reavis, who was his teammate with the Purefoods franchise, Devance said that he is determined to break the 43-year-old center’s active PBA championship record.
“It’s just crazy to think that I’m up there with Raf,” Devance said. “I got to at least get one more. Then if Raf wins, then I got… My thing now is I got to beat Raf. That’s my thing now.”
“I don’t know what the highest number of championships for a player is, but I’m pretty sure it’s not too far from eleven right?” added Devance, pertaining to the 19 championships of retired player Ramon Fernandez./PN
