Joe Devance reunites with Tim Cone in Ginebra
Joe Devance (38) goes for a one-hander against Meralco’s Jared Dillinger. INQUIRER PHOTO
Four teams continue to rebuild, acquiring key players in the latest deals that should help prop up their chances in the coming 2016 PBA season.
Joe Devance, a versatile 6-6 forward who can score in the lane and from afar, played a vital role in coach Tim Cone’s grand slam feat with the Star Hotshots two seasons ago. Now they are reunited once again after a series of trades involving GlobalPort, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Star and Barako Bull was approved by PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa Monday afternoon.
Ginebra got things going by sending veteran center Dorian Peña to GlobalPort in exchange for sophomore slotman Prince Caperal while Barako Bull, which is assembling a young, running team, released wide-bodied banger Jake Pascual and deadshot wingman Ronald Pascual to the Hotshots for Devance.
After acquiring Devance, the Energy dealt him right away to the Gin Kings in exchange for Mac Baracael and Caperal.
Devance not only gives Cone a reliable gunner who is already familiar with the triangle offense that he runs but he can also teach the Ginebra big men how to thrive on the system.
The Batang Pier, for their part, got a grizzled inside presence in Peña, who should be a big help off the boards and in defending the lane.
The Hotshots also addressed the need for younger blood up front with the acquisition of Jake and Ronald Pascual.
For Baracael, the move to Barako Bull gives him better opportunities on offense as he adds more scoring sock to the Energy’s wingmen. Caperal’s arrival likewise beefs up Barako Bull’s frontline, which already counts on veteran Mick Pennisi and rookies Michael Miranda and Yutien Andrada.
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