End of an era
One half of the celebrated Fast and the Furious duo has decided to hang up his sneakers.
Jayjay Helterbrand has decided to retire after a stellar 17-year career with the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. The former league Most Valuable Player made the announcement on CNN Philippines.
EXCLUSIVE: Barangay Ginebra fan favorite Jayjay Helterbrand announces retirement from PBA https://t.co/5bZmr1Judb #GinKingsOnSportsDesk pic.twitter.com/YtlEHAqR9j
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) October 30, 2017
“This is one of the most special for me since it will probably be my last as a player,” Helterbrand said in an interview with Sportsdesk when asked how special was it to become a six-time champion.
“That is going to be my last game as a player. Hopefully, I can be an assistant coach down the line.”
Helterbrand, 41, was a direct hire by Ginebra back in the year 2000 after playing for the Batangas Blades in the MBA.
A year later, his backcourt partner Mark Caguioa was drafted by the team, and they formed one of the most exciting duos in league history. Together, they won six championships while filling up arenas all over the country with their exciting, daredevil style of play.
Helterbrand still plans to stay away from the game for a while.
“The management are very supportive. They told me if I was at peace with my decision, they are okay with it. They told me that they are going to be there for me if my career is over.”