JAYJAY Helterbrand insisted he has no plans of unretiring after his stellar performance in the Return of the Rivals charity game between Ginebra and Purefoods.
The 42-year-old Helterbrand had 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists for a triple-double in Ginebra’s 97-89 win over Purefoods in a benefit game that lured a sellout crowd to the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Helterbrand laughed when told about a few fans clamoring a comeback after witnessing his performance.
“I don’t think so,” said the former Ginebra guard. “It was just for fun. Again, na-ano lang ako sa energy ng crowd. I don’t want to let the team down. I pushed myself a little bit over the limit. Masakit nga katawan ko. I need an ice bath right now.”
Helterbrand was the youngest among the league greats who saw action for Ginebra in the old-timers' match against the Alvin Patrimonio-led Purefoods side.
Helterbrand, who formed a vaunted pairing with Mark Caguioa at Ginebra, before he called it quits in 2017, said he is still constantly talking with his former partner.
“We talk everyday. I said to him, ‘We are waiting for him next year, you’ll be joining us,’” said Helterbrand. “Kaya pa naman ni Mark. I wish him luck."
For Helterbrand though, Caguioa can still play with the best of them.
“We talk. He is actually, you know, he is starting to think about it. But when I went to their practice last week, malakas pa si Mark. May asim pa,” said Helterbrand.
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