'Fro 'do: Devance's new outlook helps Aces to 3-0 start

Sporting a different hairstyle and a whole new outlook could have helped propel Joe Devance to one of his finest starts in the season-opening Philippine Cup in the PBA.

Alaska's multi-talented forward ditched his braided locks and decided to keep his Afro hairdo before sparking the Aces to back-to-back wins to earn the Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week honors. From October 11 to 17, the 6-foot-7 southpaw averaged 24.5 points and 9.5 rebounds while shooting 5-of-9 from the three-point range in leading Alaska to consecutive wins over B-Meg Derby Ace and Rain or Shine. Those wins improved Alaska’s win-loss slate to 3-0, equalling the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters on top of the standings. "I just have a whole new outlook for the game," said the 28-year-old Devance, the top pick in the 2007 Rookie Draft. “I kind of approach the game a little less tense. I just put in my head that I cannot control the game, I can only control how hard and smart I am playing." Alaska co-captain Jeff Cariaso's retirement last season and the all-out support of Devance's family combined to instill his new philosophy. "I try to be more of a team leader behind Tony (Dela Cruz) now that Jeff's not here. Every time I step onto the court, to give me peace, I think of my family. They give me so much power to get through a lot of things," he said. And then there’s the hairdo. "The hair gives me powers from the '80’s," Devance said in jest. Aces coach Tim Cone has a different view. “He’d be doing the same things bald!" "Joe has been doing it with great versatility – hitting threes, penetrating with drives to the basket, and taking his man down into the post. Plus, he’s been a primary ballhandler in the triangle," added Cone. "He's playing at a very high level and well deserves the award. I’m happy for him." In all, Devance is averaging 24.3 points and 10.3 rebounds and is shooting 9-of-15 from beyond the arc. – JVP/KY, GMANews.TV