THE Imus Bandera are thrilled to have the partnership of Jayjay Helterbrand and Gerald Anderson for the coming Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Lakandula Cup.
Imus team manager Lou Abad said the entry of Helterbrand and his team up with Anderson will only increase the fan base of the fledging league while strengthening the Bandera for the coming season which will open on June 12.
“We’re thrilled to have Jayjay Helterbrand and Gerald Anderson play side-by-side with each other. Their additions, along with the other players that we have, will surely bolster our squad,” said Abad in a statement. “It’s a big win not only for our team, but for the whole league as well as we try to help MPBL grow in terms of competition level and our fanbase.”
Helterbrand, a former PBA MVP, formally came out of retirement on Monday after signing with the Imus Bandera-Khaleb Shawarma/GLC. The 42-year-old Helterbrand had a 17-year PBA career that saw him win an MVP in 2009 and win championships six times with Barangay Ginebra.
He will be teaming up with Anderson, who played for the Marikina Shoemasters in the MPBL last season.
Helterbrand has been in shape, having played for Ginebra in the UNTV Cup PBA Legends Faceoff.
Abad said Helterbrand is a big boost to the team that made several changes for the coming Lakandula Cup.
“We’re happy to have finally signed Jayjay Helterbrand into our roster. His overall experience, basketball IQ, and leadership would definitely provide a huge boost for our bid in the upcoming season,” Abad said.
“Kaya kayang pa niya maglaro. As you can see, he is still well-conditioned given that he has not stopped in playing regularly sa iba’t-ibang mga liga. He can still keep up with the young guys.”
Also playing for the Bandera are MC Caceres, Chad Alonzo, James Martinez, Mikee Reyes, Floyd Dedicatoria, Khasim Mirza, Mark Doligon, Gelo Vito, and Jarrell Lim.
Budds Reyes is the head coach of the team.
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