Joe Devance is putting a lot of pressure on himself to just get his old form back as quickly as he can, particularly with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel closing in on reaching the semi-finals of the PBA Philippine Cup.
Devance said after Ginebra's 88-80 victory over Rain or Shine in the first game of their best-of-three quarterfinal series that he's dealing with the tough process of trying to catch up, fitness-wise, after playing just his third game since recovering from an offseason surgery to remove a bunion on his left foot.
"I had the same mentality every time. I mean if everything, it puts a lot of pressure on me just because I'm kind of behind on everything," Devance said after finishing with 15 points, four rebounds and five assists against Rain or Shine Monday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
"I've been out for so long and then I get back and it's already playoff time. So, I just try to put a little bit of pressure on myself to hurry up and get a hundred percent better. It's a little hard, though," added the 12-year veteran.
Devance's absence was seen as one of the reasons for Ginebra's inconsistent showing in the eliminations. But his return has sparked hopes that the eight-time champion can play a pivotal role in the Kings' quest to win the season's first conference.
Sponsored content:
Ginebra goes for a sweep of Rain or Shine in Wednesday's second game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
"I'm just hoping that we kinda grind out wins so that each day that passes, I get a little better," said Devance. "I'm hoping we can get this next game (against Rain or Shine) just to give me more time to get back in shape, get my knees right, get my legs right so we'll see.
"I'm getting better each and every day so just have to keep grinding out wins to give me more time," he added.(JT)
