Helterbrand returns to Ginebra, but Menk’s future still uncertain

AKTV/Pranz Kaeno Billones

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel will continue to feature at least two Most Valuable Player awardees on its team for the 38th season, as coach Siot Tanquingcen confirmed the return of point guard Jayjay Helterbrand to team up with Mark Caguioa.

But the future of another Ginebra MVP, Eric Menk, still remains uncertain.

“Jayjay will be back, but Eric remains doubtful, although may plano naman kami na isama siya sa line up,” Tanquingcen told InterAKTV in a telephone interview.

“It depends on his condition. Last time, he was in the line up, but we just used him gradually. Ayaw naman naming na biglain siya kasi matagal siyang nawala.”

According to Tanquingcen, Menk is still in the United States and he hopes the veteran slotman will be ready for the coming season.

If he does return, the veteran center will have to battle it out in a crowded frontcourt that will feature rookie forwards Chris Ellis and Keith Jensen.

But Tanquingcen said even the two blue-chip first rounders will have to earn their stripes.

“Everyone should pass the training. They have to fight for their spots. No one is already guaranteed of a spot in the team,” said the coach.

The Ginebra frontline also includes Dylan Ababou, Allein Maliksi, Willy Wilson, Rudy Hatfied, Rico Maierhofer, Enrico Villanueva, Billy Mamaril, and Kerby Raymundo apart from Menk.

Before the draft, Tanquingcen said that there were redundancies in the Ginebra roster. One forward, KG Canaleta, is scheduled to be traded to the Air 21 Express pending the finalization of deal details.

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