Helterbrand to remain with Barangay Ginebra, no retirement plans yet

The entire Barangay need not be alarmed for they haven't seen the last of Jayjay Helterbrand in a Ginebra uniform.

The former PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) has decided to stay on and play for the Kings after speculations came out that he's planning to retire after his one-conference contract wit the league's crowd darlings expired when the Kings were eliminated in the Philippine Cup playoffs.

"I decided to stay (in the PBA) and keep playing," said the 35-year-old Helterbrand, who was bothered by an assortment of injuries that forced him to sign a one-conference contract with the Kings to see if his body can still respond to the rigors of having to play all year-round.

At the same time, the 2008-09 season MVP admitted he wants to make up for all the lost time with his two US-based daughters, aged 16 and 11.

"I thought that at my age now, maybe it's time for me to make a sacrifice for them," added the shooting guard out of Kentucky State-Lexington.

Then came the major signs.

Although he spent part of the All-Filipino conference on the injured list, Helterbrand admitted he feels healthy right now and believed he can still play some minutes for the Kings in the coming Commissioner's Cup.

One of his daughters even told him that she's willing to relocate and continue with her studies in the country.

"That's why I'm staying with Ginebra," said Helterbrand, the other half of the league's so-called 'Fast and Furious' tandem he forms with Mark Caguioa.

No contract has yet been offered by the Ginebra management, although Helterbrand said he'll sit down and talk with team officials shortly after the long holiday season.

And to those interested to make him an offer, the Ginebra guard said his heart belongs to just one team.

"As long as I'm in the PBA, I'm staying with Ginebra. Can't imagine myself in another team,” he said.