MPBL: Star power in Imus, with Gerald Anderson in; Helterbrand next?

Gerald Anderson apparently isn’t done playing competitive basketball.

After the actor and previous team Marikina Shoemasters parted ways, Anderson is ready to play for Imus Bandera in the next season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

And if Anderson’s presence isn’t enough to pull fans in to the venue, then Jayjay Helterbrand will make sure the Cavite club will be one of the top draws in the league.

According to Budds Reyes, recently appointed Imus coach, Helterbrand, 42, has been practicing with the team as his contract is being negotiated.

“Kondisyon pa. Nagulat nga kami OK pa,” Reyes said of the former PBA MVP.

“Especially kung itong level lang na ’to, I’m sure iba ’yung experience niya. Top caliber player siya, champion pa.”

The reason Imus likes Anderson and Helterbrand, apart from their box-office appeal, is they both fit Reyes’ playing philosophy.

“Personally, interesado ako kay Gerald kasi bumubuo ako ng mga guards na umaatake,” Reyes said.

In Anderson, Reyes said he sees a player with a tireless work ethic and is willing to learn.

“Everybody knows magaling dumepensa ’yung bata, pero nu’ng bandang huli nakikita ko nakukuha na niya — duma-drive na, tumitira na,” Reyes said.

“Mahirap ’yun for a player who focuses on defense and then contributes sa offense. 

“Nu’ng una kapag nakikipag-palitan siya ng mukha sa defense, makikita mo ’pag oopensa siya, kapos ’yung tira. Pero after a while, siguro nakukuha na ’yung (rhythm), naging OK na siya over time.”

The MPBL opens on June 12.

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