BOCAUE - Joe Devance and Tim Cone were able to savor another winning moment after Barangay Ginebra San Miguel retained its PBA Governors' Cup crown Friday night.
Ginebra's 101-96 victory over Meralco at the Philippine Arena here marked the eighth time Devance and Cone won a title together, a feat that has made them one of the most successful partnerships in PBA history.
"Coach Tim has taught me so much throughout my whole career," Devance said. "He molded me to be the player I am today - even off the court, he's taught me so much. I'm just truly blessed."
All of Devance's championships since being selected as the top overall pick of Welcoat in the 2007 draft have come with Cone as mentor. Their first came in the 2010 Fiesta Conference when Alaska beat San Miguel in six games.
Their winning ways continued at the B-Meg/San Mig Super Coffee franchise when they collected five championships, including Cone's second Grand Slam in 2014.
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Last year, Cone and Devance were key figures in ending Ginebra's eight-year title drought by capturing last season's Governors' Cup trophy over Meralco.
The Kings' seven-game victory over the Bolts in this year's title rematch may have been the most gratifying. Devance battled through an injured foot all season long and made an impact in Game 7, making Meralco import Allen Durham bleed for his points.
Cone became the first coach to win 20 PBA championships, later crediting Devance for doing the dirty work.
"I thought Joe was the unheralded hero tonight," said Cone. "Durham had like six points and seven rebounds in the first half and we might think that Durham had an off night so we'd give Joe credit for playing him smart on the ball and off the ball."
(JT)
