Time for Helterbrand to lead from the front after Cortez departure

by garrett_jax Fri Nov 09, 2012 8:45 am

JAYJAY Helterbrand knows it's time for Barangay Ginebra to raise its game in the PBA Philippine Cup.

And he knows it should start with him.

With back-up point guard Mike Cortez traded to Air21 on Tuesday night, Helterbrand is set to get more minutes and a bigger role when the Kings take on Globalport on Friday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Globalport is one of only two teams the Gin Kings have beaten seven games into their season, but Helterbrand was the first to warn they can't expect to show up and get another win.

“This is one of those games where both teams are really hungry. Both teams want to win to end that streak,” said the 2009 league MVP, now the chief back-up of LA Tenorio after Cortez's departure.

Helterbrand did not suit up in the Kings' last game against B-Meg on Sunday but returns with Yousef Taha, the player Ginebra got in the Cortez trade, and Rob Labagala, who was reactivated to fill the spot left by the injured Dylan Ababou.

And he knows exactly what the Kings need to do to end a five-game losing skid.

“We just need to come out and get stronger. We need to get our confidence early. We need to limit their other players so we could have a better chance. And also have a better ball movement,” said Helterbrand.

Source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/