Jayjay Helterbrand being guarded by Gerald Anderson during the Imus Bandera practice on Tuesday. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
IMUS—Just like in his playing days with Barangay Ginebra, Jayjay Helterbrand promised to bring the same “never say die” attitude to the Bandera.
The other half of “The Fast and the Furious” duo has recently come out of his 2-year retirement by signing with the Bandera for the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Lakandula Cup, which opens on Wednesday.
“No matter what I play, it's just my mentality,” said the 42-year-old Helterbrand after practicing with Imus on Tuesday night. “I'm competing, I want to win. I'm not here to bring fans, be a publicity stunt, that's my competitive nature.”
The 6-time PBA champion and 2009 PBA Most Valuable Player will be teaming up with celebrity baller Gerald Anderson as they aid Imus' title aspirations this season.
Prior to signing with the Bandera, Helterbrand played for Ginebra in the UNTV Cup PBA Legends Faceoff.
“Basically I just missed playing. I've been playing with the legends team and Ginebra. And it kind of got my juices flowing again,” he said.
But Helterbrand clarified he won’t be a do-it-all superstar for Imus.
“I'm just trying to bring my experience, my leadership. This is not a one-man show. If you want to be really successful in this team, we gotta be the best team, work as a team, and support each other. I'm not going out there to dominate the ball, I'll just try to be that leader for the younger guys,” said the former Gin King.
Helterbrand added that he is still getting into competitive shape. He said he needs to be working on his strength and conditioning considering the long MPBL season.
“It feels good, man. to be able to keep up with the younger guys gives me a sense of confidence. But I know it's not going to be easy. I've to keep focused on strengthening and conditioning,” said the former PBA star.
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