PBA: Joe Devance unretires to join Ginebra in time for playoffs

Joe Devance cheers at courtside during a Ginebra game vs Rain or Shine in the PBA Governors’ Cup.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Joe Devance is coming out of retirement to rejoin Barangay Ginebra.

Devance announced his return in an Instagram post on Tuesday just in time for the Gin Kings’ campaign in the PBA Governors’ Cup playoffs.

“Through it all it brought me back here! This is a surreal feeling im going through right now. This is the closure I wanted and needed. Im honored to have this chance,” Devance wrote.

READ: PBA: Ginebra looks to lock down defensively vs playoff rival Meralco

“I’m on an emotional roller coaster because I never had my family not watch me play. They would have enjoyed this moment with me through all the battles the high times and low times with every team my family has always been my support system. I’m going to give it everything I have 1 last time for my @pbaconnect brotherhood and @barangayginebra. Lets see what we can do. 🙏🏾❤️🥹 #nsd #neversaydie,” he added.

According to a league memo dated Tuesday, Ginebra relegated rookie Paul Garcia to its unrestricted free agent with rights to receive salary list to make space for Devance.

Devance, a 12-time champion, announced his retirement in 2022 after 16 PBA seasons but comes back to help a Ginebra side that is missing three key cogs in Jaime Malonzo, Isaac Go and Jeremiah Grey.

At 42, Devance is certainly not the same player that he once was but his leadership and experience will definitely come in handy for the Gin Kings, who finished third in Group B.

Ginebra plays rival Meralco in a best-of-five quarterfinal series beginning Thursday.