Former MVP Helterbrand defers retirement, to continue playing with Ginebra

by **Ginebra Tambayan** Fri Dec 23, 2011 8:08 pm

Former MVP Helterbrand defers retirement, to continue playing with Ginebra
Reynaldo Belen, InterAKTV · Friday, December 23, 2011 · 7:02 pm

Former MVP Helterbrand defers retirement, to continue playing with Ginebra Helterbrand-caguioa-never-say-die

PBA/Nuki Sabio

Jayjay Helterbrand is going to stay with Barangay Ginebra.

This was confirmed by the 2009 PBA Most Valuable Player in an exclusive interview with AKTV.

“Yes, I’m coming back. I can’t wait to get back next conference,” said Helterbrand, squelching speculations that he’s retiring to be with his daughters in the United States for good.

The veteran guard, who won four championships with Ginebra, signed a one-conference contract this season while contemplating retirement. After the Gin Kings got swept by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters last Wednesday in the Philippine Cup quarterfinals, fans began to wonder whether they’ve seen the last of Helterbrand, the other half of Ginebra’s dreaded Fast and Furious tandem along with Mark Caguioa.

“I’ve thought about it, especially during the time when I was consistently injured,” said Helterbrand. “But the biggest reason why I thought about retiring was because of my daughters, who are in the United States. I’ve sacrificed so many things, missing their birthdays, graduation and other important events while they’re growing up. So I thought that at my age now, maybe it’s time for me to make a sacrifice for them.”

“But my daughter told me that she’s willing to study here so that she can be with me and I can continue playing in the PBA.”

Helterbrand added that he’s feeling much better now and is in tip-top condition after an injury-plagued campaign the past two seasons.

“I opted for a one-conference contract to see if my body can respond to the schedule in the PBA. Right now, I feel good.”

The return of Rudy Hatfield, according to Helterbrand, will be a big morale booster for the Gin Kings next conference. The power forward left the team midway through last season, but expressed his intention to come back to the team in time for the Commissioner’s Cup.

Helterbrand believes staying healthy is more crucial for Ginebra, instead of pursuing more roster changes.

“That’s the most important thing. If we can get free of injury, we can compete because we have a solid team.”

Right now, Helterbrand is banking on young forwards Rico Maierhofer and Allein Maliksi to become key contributors for the team. The pair was acquired by the Gin Kings in the middle of the Philippine Cup, but saw little action because of injuries.

“They’re the type of players we need, but they got injured as well.”

After getting swept by Rain or Shine, Helterbrand admits that there is still some bitterness with the way his team ended the tournament.

“I can’t wait to get back next conference because that’s not the way we want to end our campaign, but my hats off to Rain or Shine, they did a good job in the series.”

Because his one-conference pact has expired, Helterbrand is looking at a contract renewal after the holidays.

“Most probably by January 11 of next year during our first practice session. I cannot imagine myself wearing another jersey aside from Ginebra. I want to retire as a Gin King.”

Source: Interaksyon.com

by elkadiosa_21 Fri Dec 23, 2011 8:46 pm

thanks god.. c idol tuloy p din s paglalaro.. :D

pero sna sa Brgy. Ginebra team k pa din idol..

:)

by **NSD Loyalist** Fri Dec 23, 2011 9:23 pm

As what Jayjay said, he can't imagine himself donning other jersey aside from Ginebra.

Anyway, welcome to NSD Tambayan, Ma'am elkadiosa_21. :welcome:

Palista ka na dito: Kabarangay Listahan

by **ruxs_14** Fri Dec 23, 2011 9:24 pm

syempre GINEBRA pa rin yan.... malabo makita natin na ang tandem na the fast and the furious eh mabubuwag at magiging mag kalaban... at alam ng smc mngt na kapag nangyari un eh tlagang magdudulot un ng sobra sobrang alitan at awayan lalo na between the ginebra fans and the smc mngt...

by **NSD Loyalist** Fri Dec 23, 2011 9:30 pm

PBA and AKTV just made Jayjay's decision a BIG ISSUE for the sake of TV ratings. Talk about PBA becoming a showbiz-oriented sports show. LOL! Former MVP Helterbrand defers retirement, to continue playing with Ginebra 2908833414

Former MVP Helterbrand defers retirement, to continue playing with Ginebra 2908833414

by **ruxs_14** Fri Dec 23, 2011 9:38 pm

:happy4: tama... ganyan talaga kelangan nila bumanat pa.. kasi sa semis at finals wala ng dating eh...as in wala nang hatak sa mga fans pati na din sa tv rating Former MVP Helterbrand defers retirement, to continue playing with Ginebra 882568079

Former MVP Helterbrand defers retirement, to continue playing with Ginebra 882568079

NoliEala Noli Eala
Excited to have JJ still with the Kings. He wl surely help d team. "@ahura23: @NoliEala Sir, Jayjay decided to stay. What can you say po?"

yun oh...ginebra pa rin

by rentboy Sat Dec 24, 2011 2:14 pm

Yan ang dpat na mangyari, magretire ang The Fast & The Furious as a BGK players. Then sna mging mging member na din ng coaching staff if ever na mgretire na sila. Go GINEBRA!!! Bawi tau nxt confy...