Helterbrand joins Imus Bandera in MPBL

Imus—The Imus Bandera-Khaleb Shawarma/GLC has signed former PBA MVP and national team stalwart Jayjay Helterbrand for the upcoming 2019 MPBL Lakandula Cup, which will start on June 12, 2019 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“We’re happy to have finally signed Jayjay Helterbrand into our roster. His overall experience, basketball IQ, and leadership would definitely provide a huge boost for our bid in the upcoming season,” said Imus Bandera-Khaleb Shawarma/GLC team manager Lou Abad. “Kaya kayang pa niya maglaro. As you can see, he is still well-conditioned given that he has not stopped in playing regularly sa iba’t-ibang mga liga. He can still keep up with the young guys.”

Helterbrand, a six-time champion and six-time PBA all-star, was the season Most Valuable Player of the 2009 PBA season. He was also a two-time All-Star MVP, two-time Mythical 1st Team selection, and the Finals MVP in the 2007 All-Filipino Cup.

With a much-decorated 16-year PBA career, Helterbrand has been named as one of the 40 Greatest Players in PBA History.

The 42-year-old guard will join a stacked roster composed of the likes of MC Caceres, Chad Alonzo, James Martinez, Mikee Reyes, Floyd Dedicatoria, Khasim Mirza, Mark Doligon, Gelo Vito, and Jarrell Lim. Budds Reyes will be the head coach of the Imus Bandera squad.

Helterbrand will also join two-way guard Gerald Anderson, who emerged as one of the league’s top defensive players after finishing in the Top 10 in steals per game last season.

“We’re thrilled to have Jayjay Helterbrand and Gerald Anderson play side-by-side with each other. Their additions, along with the other players that we have, will surely bolster our squad,” said Abad.

“It’s a big win not only for our team, but for the whole league as well as we try to help MPBL grow in terms of competition level and our fanbase.”

Imus Bandera-Khaleb Shawarma/GLC will open their campaign on Thursday, June 13 at the Caloocan Sports Complex against the home team Caloocan City.