Helterbrand calls it a career

File photo
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Ginebra's successful PBA Governors' Cup title conquest turns out to be the last ride of "The Fast and the Furious".

Jay-Jay Helterbrand, the one-half of the explosive backcourt tandem with Mark Caguioa that helped the Barangay achieve their modern-day success, announced his retirement on Monday.

"[Game 7 was] my last game as a player," Helterbrand told sports commentator Andrei Felix in an interview with CNN Philippines.

Helterbrand then bared that he already notified his team's management about his decision to call it a career.

"They were very supportive," he said about Ginebra's higher ups. "They told me that they're gonna be there even if my career is over."

Looking back at a 17-year career that actually started with a one-game stint for Batangas in the MBA but went full bloom with Ginebra and was translated into six PBA titles and the 2009 MVP award, Helterbrand said, "I have had a great career. I have no regrets in my career whatsoever. Winning a championship before I retire is the best way to go out. I'm really happy with my decision."

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