Joe Devance announces PBA retirement

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Thank you, Joe Devance.

After 15 illustrious years in the PBA, one of the most versatile forwards Philippine basketball has ever seen decided to call it a career.

In a lengthy Instagram post on his official account, Devance made an emotional farewell to the game which was flocked with mixed emotions from the PBA community including the players, analysts, and the staff.

“I have mixed feelings about this post. 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. 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 posted.

Devance is the definition of a true PBA champion after clinching 12 titles in 15 years with three different teams: The Alaska Aces, B-Meg Llamados (now Magnolia Hotshots), and the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

The six-foot-seven swingman was the top pick during the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft and was drafted by the Welcoat Dragons.

However, after just one season, Welcoat sent Devance to Alaska where he found his ultimate mentor, coach Tim Cone.

Devance’s leadership and all-around efficiency steered the Aces to the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference and also spent three trips to the finals.

After his Aces stint, Devance would reunite with coach Cone at B-Meg and was a huge part of their five championships including a grand slam feat together with James Yap and PJ Simon.

“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. 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,” added Devance.

Devance’s last stop would be with Ginebra and again worked alongside Cone which resulted in six titles in seven years.