KALABAW lang ang tumatanda.

At kung pamantayan ang sipag at tikas sa laro, tunay na may asim pa si dating Ginebra mainstay Jayjay Helterbrand.

Impresibo sa Imus Bandera-Khaleb Shawarma/GLC ang debut ng 17-year PBA pro sa 78-75 panalo sa overtime kontra Caloocan Supremos-Victory Liner nitong Huwebes sa MPBL Lakan Cup sa Caloocan Sports Complex.

Kumubra ang six-time PBA champion sa naiskor na 14 puntos, tampok ang tatlong hree-pointer, walong rebounds, walong assists, dalawang steals, at isang block.

Hindi na ito pinagtakhan ng mga dati niyang katropa sa Barangay Ginebra.

“I wish him luck. I still see Jayjay playing. He can still play. He is fit to play. I think ginawa niya yun for the fans. Fans are really looking forward to see him play. I wish him well sa career niya sa MPBL and sana injury-free. Yun naman ang gusto natin. Makapaglaro siya nang maayos and makapagpasaya siya ng tao. Sana marami pa siyang ma-inspire na player sa ginawa niya,” pahayag ni Ginebra guard LA Tenorio.

Maging ang dating PBA best import na katuwang niya sa kampeonato na si Justin Brownlee ay naniniwala na makakaya niyang dominahin ang liga.

“I like to see him coming back to play. A talent like him, I still think he has a lot left in the tank. I miss him a lot but I am proud of and happy for him. He loves the game of basketball and this is another opportunity for him to play. He has been missing it so I am happy for him,” sambit ni Brownlee.

“Jayjay is a fighter. Sila ni Mark (Caguioa) ang epitome ng never-say-die. I am sure, madadala niya yun sa Imus. And of course, fan-favorite yan eh,” pahayag ni Tenorio.

Ang Imus Bandera-Khaleb Shawarma ang isa sa 10 pioneering team ng MPBL at suportado ng Khaleb Shawarma, GLC Trucks and Equipment, City Mayor Hon. Emmanuel Maliksi, City Vice Mayor Hon. Ony Cantimbuhan, and Congressman of the 3rd District of Cavite Hon. Alex Advincula