Devance, Mercado Ginebra’s newest ‘tandem’

Sol Mecardo and Joe Devance during Ginebra practice. Photo by Randolph Leongson

Joe Devance may have only been with Ginebra for just a couple of days, but that hasn’t stopped him from feeling at home quick.

Only four days in, he has struck a new partner in Sol Mercado.

“They call us ‘The Tandem’ here,” quipped Mercado. “I’m Tan and he’s Dem.”

That prompted Devance to answer immediately, “I’ll go with whatever he says. But it’s not dumb, but like ‘Damn!'”

The two could’ve linked it up years ago but Mercado, who was picked fifth Alaska, was dealt with Eddie Laure to Rain or Shine in exchange of Devance and two future second rounders from the Aces in 2008.

“Obviously, I was the best part of that trade,” the 6-foot-1 guard said, joking with Devance. “We created fire and ice in Rain or Shine.”

“And I won six championships,” butted Devance in.

Now, the two Fil-Ams join forces in the new-look Ginebra squad under coach Tim Cone, with a goal of ending the seven-year title drought for the Gin Kings.

“It feels good to be here,” said Devance. “As of right now, chemistry is really good, everybody’s upbeat, but the games haven’t started yet.”

“Once the games start and real life starts, we’ll see how we go. But I see us doing good with the short time I’ve been here. Everybody’s competing, open to learning, and that’s the best thing.”