Defending champ Ginebra finds a leader in Helterbrand

MANILA, Philippines - Jayjay Helterbrand has taken the role of being Barangay Ginebra's leader. And this suits the Gin Kings mentor Jong Uichico just fine. “He has taken the job of being our leader," said Gin Kings coach Jong Uichico regarding Helterbrand, who was chosen as the Motolite/Accel-PBA Press Corps’ Player of the Week for the period June 22 to 28. With Helterbrand leading the way for the defending champions, the Gin Kings were able to post three straight triumphs to finish off Rain or Shine in their best-of-seven semis series, 4-2. That victory lifted the Kings into the Finals, where they will take on sister team San Miguel Beer in another best-of-seven series. Helterbrand gained his second POTW plum as he inspired his teammates with awesome performances. Last Sunday, Helterbrand logged 17 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals to help Ginebra end the series with a 108-100 win. Before that series-clincher, Helterbrand posted 19 points, three rebounds, an assist and a steal in a 96-85 Game 5 win and earlier had 21 points, four assists and three rebounds in an 86-70 Game 4 victory. “When he assumed that role as leader and its corresponding responsibilities, he has also become a better all-around player," noted Uichico. This leadership will most likely be seen in the finals with the absence of Mark Caguioa and probably Eric Menk because of injuries. “Definitely, he’ll be the one we’ll most likely look for," said Uichico. – Perry Legaspi, GMANews.TV