Joe Devance: The unsung hero of Philippine basketball

Joe Devance is not your average basketball player. He's not the loudest or the flashiest, but he's one of the most effective. He's a quiet leader, a team player, and a winner.
Over the course of his 16-year career, Devance has won 12 championships with three different teams. He's been named to the All-Star team four times, and he's been a key member of the Philippine national team.
But Devance's success is not just about his individual accomplishments. It's about the way he makes his teammates better. He's a selfless player who is always willing to do the dirty work. He's a great defender, rebounder, and passer. And he's always there to pick up his teammates when they're down.
As he has demonstrated with his willingness to come out of retirement to bolster Ginebra’s playoff lineup despite the sacrifice it entails in his family life, Devance is a true team player. He's not interested in personal glory. He just wants to win.
And that's what makes Joe Devance so special. He's not the most talented player on the court, but he's always one of the most valuable. He's the kind of player that every team needs.
He's not a superstar, but he's a winner.
Joe Devance is the unsung hero of Philippine basketball.