Jayjay Helterbrand felt that winning the last two championships of the PBA Governors' Cup was the right time to announce his retirement after a 17-year career with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
The 2009 Most Valuable Player made it official Monday three days after Ginebra retained the title of the league's third conference with a Game 7 victory at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. Helterbrand offered no regrets when he reflected on a career filled with success.
"It wasn't really that hard. I had a great career and I have no regrets," Helterbrand said during Ginebra's victory party at the San Miguel Corporation head office in Mandaluyong City. "I'm happy with where I'm at now, I'm excited at what the future holds."
Speaking of the future, Helterbrand is pondering on what's next, though he had discussed possible business opportunities and perhaps a stint as coach with San Miguel officials.
But for now, Helterbrand would rather spend more time with his family and reap the fruits of his labor before taking the next step.
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"I just want to spend time with my family, first take a break from basketball and, maybe down the line, we'll see," he said.
Helterbrand's retirement left his long-time partner Mark Caguioa with mixed emotions.
"I'm happy but sad at the same time," Caguioa said. "Happy because he can spend time with his family and loved ones back in the States, and sad because I'll not gonna be with him every day.
"For 17 years, we were basically with each other every single day. Now that mawawala siya sa practice, sa games, it's gonna be like a real big adjustment for me."
Caguioa and Helterbrand made their mark as the famed duo known as "The Fast and the Furious." They starred in Ginebra's championships in the 2004 Fiesta Conference, 2005 and 2007 Philippine Cup and 2008 Fiesta Conference before playing the role of veteran leaders in the Kings' last two titles.
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"What a better way to go out than win two championships, so for me it's a perfect time to retire," Helterbrand said.(JT)
