FORMER PBA grand slam champion Joe Devance was an interested spectator Thursday night in the season-opening Governors' Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The 42-year-old Fil-Am arrived in the country this week and lost no time reconnecting with old friends and teammates.
Of course, hooking up with the entire Barangay Ginebra team is part of his itinerary in his return to what he refers to as 'my home.'
He hopes to see the Kings and their legion of fans when they play the NLEX Road Warriors on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
"I can't wait to see the Ginebra fans on Sunday, so that must be a good feeling. Hopefully, they still welcome me with open arms," said the 6-foot-7 former no. 1 overall pick during the 2007 draft by Rain or Shine.
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Devance watched the game between San Miguel and Rain or Shine, where he got to link up with close friends Gabe Norwood, Simon Encisco, and Chris Ross.
Now based in Los Angeles, Devance initially tried to connect with the Kings during their last game against Phoenix, but a prior commitment prevented him from seeing his former team.
But he promised to see them in their game against the Road Warriors.
"I'm excited to see everybody," said Devance, who won 12 championships in his 15-year career playing for teams such as Welcoat, Alaska, the Purefoods franchise, and Ginebra.
He was an integral part of the San Mig Coffee (now Magnolia) which won the league's last grand slam in 2014.
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Devance retired from the league in 2022.(RG)
