Jayjay Helterbrand sees Ginebra twin towers learning a lot from ex-NBA big man Josh Powell

Sports5 file/Pranz Kaeno Billones

Josh Powell helped Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to a victory in his PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner’s Cup debut on Wednesday night, but his impact on the Gin Kings could go beyond the court.

Ginebra veteran Jayjay Helterbrand sees the veteran NBA big man’s presence as a tremendous opportunity for the team’s emerging twin towers Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar.

“It’s gonna be good for Japeth, it’s gonna be good for Greg, because they’re gonna learn from him. They’re gonna learn from an NBA player and I think it’s gonna make them better players,” said Helterbrand.

Powell won two NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and also saw action for the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, and Golden State Warriors.

Aguilar and Slaughter showcased dominant form for the Gin Kings in the Philippine Cup, but has taken a step back in the current conference with the presence of big imports.

But while he could be a mentor for his younger frontline mates, Powell is also expected to carry the load for Ginebra on the court. He had a solid debut of 16 points, 15 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals against Meralco, just a day after arriving in the Philippines.

“He does all the little things that we needed for the team. We are full of scorers, we are full of guys that can create. We don’t have a guy who does all the little things and that’s what he brings to the table,” said Helterbrand.

Ginebra forward Chris Ellis said having Powell makes the job easier for the rest of the team, in contrast to former import Leon Rodgers.

“Leon was a scorer and he did everything. We could have used more from the other guys. Our new man, Powell, he’s consistent in controlling the boards, setting screens, and defending. You could just feel the overall sense of fluidity in our offense whenever he’s out there,” said Ellis, who noted that Powell’s NBA seasoning already served him well.

“His experienced and he knows where to be at the right time. Our ball movement is nice because our big men were setting screens, our players were playing with a lot of passion and motivation.”