JOE Devance never thought that he would be coaching his son and his Barangay Ginebra teammate Justin Brownlee's kid on one team.
But that was exactly what JDV just did, as he coached the Fil-Am Nation LA-Devance team that bagged the Manila Live 14-under tournament title over the weekend when they defeated Blue Steel Basketball, 101-81, in the final.
READ: Brownlee, Devance champions in Manila Live 14U invitational
On that team was Jace Devance and Justin Brownlee Jr., who were key contributors throughout their run. Brownlee Jr. had 15 points, and Devance had nine in the final.
“It's pretty cool to see my son and Justin Jr. play together. It's kind of surreal,” said the 44-year-old Joe. “It's been a great experience coaching my son and Justin Jr.”
The elder Devance said he is still learning the ropes of coaching, and he is glad to do it together with his son Jace, who is also trying start a basketball career of his own.
“There's always stuff to learn, but it's fun. I'm enjoying the process,” he said. “It's been very fun coaching my son. Very, very fun. I push him hard.”
Second-generation Devance
Jace equally enjoyed playing in Manila Live where he got to experience the style of basketball that his father was used to during his PBA days.
“It's really, really physical. They just play hard,” said Jace about the opposition.
While in the country, Joe also took the opportunity to return to his roots and watch the Gin Kings when they battled NLEX last Friday. He brought the entire Fil-Am Nation champion team, including Jace, to the game at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
“This is my first game back in over a year since I played. It feels like home. I miss the atmosphere. It was cool to have my team come watch, so it was very nice,” he said.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
