Helterbrand attends Ginebra game for 1st time since retirement

Jayjay Helterbrand. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

It seems like coach Tim Cone’s pleas to the barangay has been answered.

Jayjay Helterbrand was one with the troves of Gin Kings faithfuls who trooped to the Smart Araneta Coliseum for Game 2 of the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals series between Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beer on Sunday.

The six-time PBA champion watched his old team for the first time since he hung up his sneakers for good, hoping to provide the Gin Kings a much-needed lift against the powerhouse Beermen.

“This is the first game I watched since I retired,” Helterbrand shared. “Honestly, I miss the environment, I miss the intensity, and I miss hearing the fans chanting Ginebra. I’m enjoying it.”

Helterbrand formally announced his retirement after the Gin Kings won the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup in six games against Meralco last October.

Cone implored the Ginebra fans to come to the venue and aid his side in its quest to equalize the best-of-seven series.

“We need our sixth man, our fans, to supply us some much-needed energy. Hopefully, with their support, we’ll be able to catch our breath for a moment and put a better performance together,” he said after the 102-91 San Miguel win in Game 1 last Friday.

The barangay did provide the backup, with Helterbrand joining the capacity crowd which came to the Big Dome.

Buoyed by the crowd, Ginebra took a 55-42 lead at the half as of posting time.

Prince Caperal is already riding on a new career-high 17 points with five rebounds in the first half, while Japeth Aguilar has 14 markers, five assists, and three rebounds.

“So far so good,” Helterbrand observed. “We just got to maintain it. Our defense on June Mar (Fajardo) has been pretty good. We got to keep up the energy the whole game and guard their shooters.”