Soulfiesta Exclusive: Get Buckets!!

I've been a Tim Cone fan all my life, and this translates to alot of things -- one of which is supporting the players Tim Cone has no matter if it strayed away from the core Alaska players I was cheering for growing up! I've always seen Joe Devance as a floor general of sorts -- where he plays as an extension of Tim Cone on the court. Joe Devance, a college player who was part of a Texas College basketball team, born in Hawaii and has made it to become the 2007 #1 draft pick has now become a veteran of the triangle offense, a very lose fun guy in front of the camera -- but more than anything, has lead his teams to championships and being part of a memorable grand slam title holder in the very storied Philippine Basketball Association!

Today, in the heels of the new PBA conference -- I release an interview I have with Joe Devance. Read through as we speak on Tim Cone, his take on the Gilas, his most hardest to guard player and other things that make Joe Devance the player that he is!

First off, thanks for allowing me to do this interview JDV. I want to start with, when you thought you could have a career in the PBA?

I found out about me actually playing basketball here in Manila after my last year of college. I was already working when I actually found a way to come out here to play. To be honest I thought I was done with basketball just because I had no way to get out here. Thank God for my assistant coach who had connections for me to get out.

So since you've been here, do you have any favorite local food?

I have a few favorite dishes. Pork and chicken Adobo, Sinigang, Crispy Pata, Lechon Kawali. But my all time favorites would be Turons and Biko!!!!

You were drafted #1, and I've been meaning to ask why you chose to rock the number 53 on your freshmen year in the pros?

1953 is the year my mom was born so I felt it meant alot to her that I did that. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't be here.

Did you have a hard time adjusting to a team that drafted you and wanted you to stick to the center role when your basketball skill set is very broad? Whats the most frustrating thing in your rookie year?

It was an adjustment just to play in the PBA. Different coaches and players. The coaches at that time didn't really know my game. To be honest that team was actually one of the funnest teams I have been on. We had so much fun that year. I'm glad it went the way it did. I might have not been in this situation now if that didn't have happened. Things happen for a reason and it was just a learning experience for me.

If you could tell rookie JDV something and warn him about certain things about being a pro ball player, what would it be?

Dont buy so many cars. Think the game and take your time.

If you were to have your own signature basketball shoe, what would you name it?

Well it would be Nike for sure. Probably call them Nike "Get Buckets"

Michael Jordan aside, who are the other basketball players you looked up to?

That would have to be Shaq, Kobe, Scottie Pippen, Grant Hill and Allen Iverson.

Do you think the PBA is a Coach's league?

PBA coaches have their own distinct style of play and how they coach. I don't really have anything to say about the other coaches I'm just thankful I played almost my whole career under one coach and he just so happened to be the best coach in Philippine basketball history.

As a man of the triangle offense, do you think a triangle offense ran national team be effective in the global arena?

Actually I think it would be. If everyone runs the triangle right and makes hard cuts and runs it at a quicker pace I think it would work. I love the triangle!

Do you feel Blatche provided great things to Gilas or do you think he brought distraction to the team chemistry?

Blatche helped us out for sure. Marcus played great for us but Blatche just gave us that NBA experience and talent that we needed. I'm so happy for those guys and what they accomplished!

You signed a 2 year contract with your current ball club ending in 2016, do you see yourself playing more ball or have you planned out your days after basketball already? Other than basketball and dancing, what are other things you're interested in?

Its up in the air as of right now. I have options besides basketball which a lot of "Filams" don't have. When that time comes I just have to weigh my options. I will be a great business man this is what I'm sure on.

Do you have a favorite conference in the league?

I don't really have a favorite conference. They're all the same to me because I want to win them all!!!!!

Whats your music playlist like before the game?

I listen to different types of music. It's a mix between hiphop, dubstep and pop. I love music thats a huge part of my pregame!!!!

Who has been the hardest person for you to guard? Or who do you hate playing against?

The hardest person to guard for me is either Junemar Fajardo or Ranidel De Ocampo.

Will you ever shave your flat top?

Hahaha thats a funny question. I plan to one day just dont know when.

Warriors or Cavaliers?

Warriors only because me and Stephen Curry train at the same place in the states. We have the same trainers. One of the reasons why I cant wait to get back so we can train together.

Who has the best handles in the PBA?

I think Chris Lutz of SMB has the best handles in the league.

If there is one thing you've learned from being coached by Tim Cone that also translates in your day to day life, what would it be?

Control the things you can control and also put a 10 on peoples foreheads. A lot of his teachings are from John Maxwell who is a great speaker and motivator on being a leader. Coach Tim is a great leader.

I never thought I would be this successful in the PBA. I have accomplished a lot in my career. If I would retire tomorrow I would be happy for what I did. I give all credit to coach Tim for my career. He saw something in me that other coaches didn't. He believed in me from the start. Pushed me to my limits and gave me all the confidence. He put me in a great position to be a leader and a player in his team to make an impact and to be this successful. BEST COACH I have played for in my whole basketball life.

How do you feel about the recent coaching change and seeing Tim Cone leave for Ginebra?

It's the business trades and coaching changes. Tim is the best coach in this league so I understand why Mr. Ang would want him over there to help build Ginebra back up to the top of the rankings. I just want to wish him the best and I know him and Ginebra will do great things there.

Do you think Coach Johnny A sees himself in Mark Barocca?

I dont think he does but he has been a great mentor for Mark. Not everyday you can be coached by a living legend.

Does the team really practice the one hand baby hook or floater?

Hahaha no we don't practice it. It's just a great weapon to have.

If you could play for any NBA team at this stage in your career, which team would you play for and why?

I would love to play with the Lakers just because its the Lakers!! My city doesn't have a professional team so I'm neutral with all teams. I'm more of a player fan.

Awesome! I wish you and your team all the best this coming conference! Big shoutouts to Margaux Cortez for being the link for this interview to actually happen! I pray you have more championships and usher in a new era of pro ball in the conutry! Anything else you'd like to share with your fans and our readers?

I would like to first thank God because I would have never thought I would in this position I am in. I like to thank my beautiful wife and kids for understanding that I'm doing all this for them and that I love them with everything I have. Thanks for the unconditional support from my family in the states. They stay up late just to watch my every game still to this day. I like to thank my good friends from Toyota Otis and Balintawak for taking a chance on me and showing me so much love in the PBL. Like to thank Titan and Ensayo gym and equipments for showing me so much love. Alaska and Purefoods for also believing in me. I have so much love for the people here and my country. I'm so very proud to say I'm Filipino and I play in the PBA. Thank you guys!

FIN

Would like to give photograph credits to the following: Pranz Kaeno Billones and Paul Ryan Tan.