A COACHING job awaits Jay-jay Helterbrand at Barangay Ginebra.
Helterbrand formally announced his retirement during the Barangay Ginebra’s victory party at the San Miguel Corporation headquarters in Mandaluyong on Monday.
“It’s somewhere down the line. They offered it to me,” said the 5’11” guard, who spent his 17-year PBA career with the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
For now, his new role with Ginebra will have to wait. “I just want to spend time with my family.”
Helterbrand said he felt that the time has come for him to hang his jersey after the Gin Kings stood their ground in the fourth period for a 101-96 triumph over the Meralco Bolts last Friday.
That game allowed the Gin Kings to claim their second straight PBA Governors’ Cup title at the Philippine Arena.
“It’s the best time now since we just won a championship,” said the 41-year-old Helterbrand.
Known by many as Helter Skelter and the backcourt partner of Mark Caguioa, Helterbrand had a career average of 8.4 points and 2.8 rebounds.
And he only played six games for the Gin Kings during the Governors’ Cup.
“It was just good timing,” added the 5’11” Helterbrand
Two years ago, Helterbrand announced his retirement from the game at the end of the 2015–16 PBA season.
But after Ginebra won the 2016 Governors’ Cup, he said that he will play for one more season.
And this time around, Helterbrand felt it’s the best time to go.
“I had a long time talk with management. After they heard what I had to say, they knew I was happy with my decision,” said Helterbrand.