JOE Devance renewed his ties with Barangay Ginebra after signing a one-year deal with the team on Friday.
"I just signed a new contract," the 38-year-old big man disclosed over the weekend.
It was the shortest deal Devance signed in his pro career, but comes in the most crucial stage in Barangay Ginebra's franchise history following the stunning decision of 7-foot Greg Slaughter to take a break from basketball almost a month before the 45th PBA season kicks off.
The signing of Devance and fellow big man Prince Caperal earlier, along with the presence of Japeth Aguilar at least assured the Kings of a solid frontcourt following the unexpected exit of Slaughter.
Devance admitted Slaughter's absence is going to be a big loss for the Kings especially with the team aiming to win the Philippine Cup title.
But then again, life has to go on for the league's most popular ballclub.
"I wish Greg the best. We don't know his circumstance and the reason why he did what he did. Whatever reason, it was in the best reason for himself," said the Fil-Am veteran.
"But at the end of the day, we just can't be like, 'man we wish Greg is here with us.' We just got to move on. At the end of the day, we have to win and we have to get better," he said.
"We might not be as big, but what we lack in size we just have to make it up with quickness."
That he was given another opportunity to play for Ginebra is something Devance would be grateful to team owner Ramon S. Ang, San Miguel Corp.sports director Alfrancis Chua, and Ginebra coach Tim Cone.
"I'm just thankful that to have another year of playing," said Devance. "You never know these days."
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