Jayjay Helterbrand reflects on legendary 17-year PBA career as league marks 50th Season

As the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) gears up to celebrate its historic 50th season next month, Jayjay Helterbrand, one of the league’s most celebrated guards, looked back on his remarkable 17-year career.

Helterbrand’s name is synonymous with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, formerly the Barangay Ginebra Kings, where he had two impactful stints from 2000 to 2002 and again from 2004 to 2017. The 48-year-old guard retired in 2017, leaving behind a legacy that has firmly cemented him among the PBA’s all-time greats.

In a recent media interview, Helterbrand credited the PBA for shaping his life and career. “I will never forget the PBA. I owe my whole life to the PBA and the Ginebra organization. The PBA gave me a platform para maipakita ko yung God-given talent na meron ako, and to experience what it means to be a professional basketball player in such a competitive league,” he shared.

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Known for his fast-paced “run-and-gun” style, Helterbrand formed the iconic “Fast and the Furious” duo with Mark Caguioa, thrilling fans and solidifying Ginebra’s status as one of the league’s premier teams.

PBA: Ahead of Season 50, Jayjay Helterbrand reflects on 17-year career with Ginebra https://t.co/ohiDJO4iN3

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Helterbrand also expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering support of Barangay Ginebra’s passionate fanbase. “Ginebra fans? They are not NSD (never say die) for no reason. Even after retirement or if you move to another team, it’s always: ‘Once a King, always a King.’ Their support never fades. That’s what sets Ginebra fans apart—they truly embody the NSD spirit,” he said.

Over his storied career, Helterbrand collected six PBA championships, was named the 2009 PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), earned the 2006-07 Philippine Cup Finals MVP, took home two PBA Best Player of the Conference awards, and was selected to six PBA All-Star games. His contributions earned him a spot among the 50 Greatest Players in PBA History.

Even in retirement, Helterbrand remains connected to basketball, joining former PBA stars in the PBA MotoClub, while also pursuing business ventures like MAG Soil Testing, part of the construction industry.

“We stay busy, but we never forget to have fun, relieve stress, and enjoy life. There are many challenges and tragedies happening around the world, so it’s important to find moments of joy,” Helterbrand concluded.

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