After a stellar 15-year career, Joe Devance has decided to call it a day.
The versatile 6-foot-7 Filipino-American forward announced his retirement on Wednesday.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Three years after graduating from University of Texas in El Paso in 2004, Devance was drafted as the first overall pick in the 2007 PBA Rookie Draft by expansion team Welcoat.
In a surprise trade back then, the Dragons shipped Devance to the Alaska Aces after just one full season.
There, he became the go-to player of Tim Cone. Pundits would even joke that Joe should change his surname to Cone.
Devance would help Alaska reach three finals and win the 2010 Fiesta Conference.
After a contract dispute with Alaska, Devance was able to force his way out of the team, getting shipped to Air21 and, later on, B-Meg.
In the Purefoods franchise, he would help the team pick up five crowns.
A multi-team trade in 2015 landed Devance in Ginebra.
After six more chips with the Kings, Devance ended his career as part of the Barangay.
“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.”
Before leaving, the eight-time All-Star is hoping that the fans continue to support the league.
“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 said.
“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.
“I want to thank all of the teams that I was a part of for believing in me. I want to thank all the coaches that helped guide me throughout my career. Want to thank my family for being so understanding and letting me do what I need to do to win. Most importantly I want to thank the wonderful fans of my beautiful country. Thank you for all of your support for all of the great times we had winning these championships! You guys are the best fans in the world and I please beg for you guys to still support the PBA,” he expressed.
