Devance, Dragons to seal P8.7-M deal

Joe Devance, the 2007 Rookie Draft top pick who is set to formalize his P8.7-million three-year playing contract with Welcoat today, is already setting his sights on the coming PBA season, hopeful he can live up to high expectations.

“It’s been that way the past two days and I just can’t wait for the season to start,” said Devance in a phone interview minutes after his second practice with the Dragons in as many days.

“I’m just gonna work hard and push everybody. I just hope they push me right back,” said Devance on the role  he thought he could give Welcoat.

The two parties formally close their deal today guaranteeing Devance maximum pays of P1.8 million in his rookie year, P2.7 million the following season and P4.02 million in the third year.

“He’s worth it,” said coach Leo Austria of Devance’s pay package.

“He could really be of big help to the team since he’s a complete player. He has post moves, inside and outside shooting, can play defense and can rebound,” said Austria.

The soft-spoken mentor felt  “Welcoat is now a center and a shooter short of becoming a competitive team.”

“If we can recruit one more big guy and one shooter, this team can go far in the coming season,” said Austria, who could give the franchise just five wins the entire campaign in the 2006-07 season.

Devance is more upbeat on their chance. “I feel very positive vibes about this team. This team has no way to go but up,” said the University of Texas at El Paso criminal justice graduate.

Austria has firmed up his frontcourt with his acquisition of Devance and Nic Belasco and also strengthened his backcourt with the entry of former La Salle mainstay Ryan Arana.