Helterbrand guarantees Game Six victory for Ginebra

JayJay Helterbrand is confident enough to guarantee a Game Six victory for Ginebra. Jerome Ascano

BARANGAY Ginebra point guard Jayjay Helterbrand guaranteed a victory for the Kings against San Mig Coffee in Game Six of their PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series on Monday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll win. No one’s ready for vacation,” the veteran playmaker told Spin.ph on the eve of the 8 p.m. match when the top seeded Kings fight for survival, hoping to knot the best-of-seven series at three games apiece.

If there’s one Ginebra player who has the authority to make such vow, it’s the 37-year-old Helterbrand.

After all, he has been with the franchise for the longest time—more than 13 years -- so he exactly knows what the storied club has been through all these years.

One of the faces of the league’s most popular team, Helterbrand is also well aware of his team’s capability to thrive in this position where it is currently down, 2-3, and on the brink of elimination.

“We’ve been in this situation a million times. Personally, we play better when our backs are against the wall,” the former league MVP beamed. “I think that’s when our never-say-die spirit kicks in.”

So confident is Helterbrand, who registered five points, five boards, two steals, and one assist in 14 minutes of playing behind starter LA Tenorio in Game Five, that he can look ahead to a Game Seven.

“If we win tomorrow, then it’s a whole different story. The pressure’s gonna be on them.”