A bout that is clearly becoming a deep-rooted rivalry, the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and the Meralco Bolts are now about to rewrite their history, as they have booked a rematch in the 2017 Governor’s Cup Finals.
And Joe Devance could not get more excited with that.
The versatile six-foot-seven forward is eager to lock horns again with the Bolts, whom they edged out in last year’s title bout in six games, all thanks to “The Shot” that Justin Brownlee made that catapulted him to legendary status.
“I don’t want to say we hate each other, but we hate each other,” said Devance after their Finals-clinching 115-105 win over the TNT Katropa, Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“I mean, MVP, Mr. [Ramon] Ang, it’s just how it is.
“If we thought this is gonna be a battle, this next series is going to be a battle,” the 10-year pro pointed out.
As compared to last year, both teams will be heading into the championship with reloaded lineups — Ginebra have a healthy Greg Slaughter with them, while the Bolts have a 100 percent Jared Dillinger and the addition of Ranidel De Ocampo.
Both Slaughter and Dillinger did not play in the 2016 Governor’s Cup Finals due to ACL and hamstring issues, respectively.
Speaking of Dillinger, his presence in the Finals is what Devance is looking at the most. It can be remembered that the two veterans had exchanges on Twitter early this season, telling each other how much they hate one another.
That one was tough. Hats off to TNT for sticking it out. Beat Ginebra. I can’t stand those guys.
— Jared Dillinger (@JDHawaii20) June 9, 2017
But all in good fun, of course.
“Yeah. I’m a heel, Im’ma hit Dillinger, Im’ma punch him right in the stomach! Nah, I’m just playing,” said the 35-year-old, who was trying to stop himself from cracking up.
“You know, it’s all in good fun, good sportsmanship, you know it’s competitiveness.”
The best-of-seven series will raise its curtains on Friday, October 13, at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena, Quezon. It will definitely be a grind-out series, and for Devance, it will be a battle of which team wants it more.
“You know we’re just gonna come out and fight. Whatever team wants it more is gonna get it,” said the seven-time champion. “We’re full aware of the challenges that they’re gonna present to us.
“Let’s see what happens.”
