Is this the end for Mr. Fast?

Have we seen the last of Mr. Fast in the PBA?

After publicly asking his mother team, the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings, for a one conference contract to "challenge" himself, Jayjay Helterbrand finds himself at a crossroads in his local professional basketball career.

Will he choose to "retire, go back to the US and be with his daughters" as he claims? Or is he just looking for more leverage to get an even bigger contract (as is the case with most top notch players in any sport) with Ginebra or any team that would greatly benefit from his undeniable basketball skill and IQ?

The way things are going for Ginebra, you can't fault Helterbrand if he chooses to walk away from the game or look to play elsewhere. The coaching scene is a mess (thank God Jong Uichico spared us from the "co-coaching" angle that the SMC head honchos were pulling for) and the rotation is even worse. Energy player and fan favorite Rudy Hatfield is reportedly coming back, but even then he'd be just another old guy in a team that's trying to reinvent itself (though in a half-baked manner) with youth.

In 25 minutes of action in the Philippine Cup (where Ginebra was eliminated by Rain or Shine in the quarterfinals), Helterbrand averaged 9 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal while shooting 40%-- not bad for a guy deemed "old" by basketball standards-- 35 years old plus the heavy mileage playing for Ginebra (perennial title contender) and the National teams.

If Ginebra were to change it's battle plan, or at the very least, quit messing with its rotation-- then Helterbrand should stay PROVIDED that he plays POINT GUARD. Years ago, this writer argued (to death) that JH13 is a shooting guard by trade. He's more scorer than facilitator, and is at his best when attacking the basket much like his good buddy Mark Caguioa.

The last two conferences however, coaches Jong and Siot moved Helterbrand to SG to open minutes for PGs Rob Labagala and Mike Cortez. A brilliant move had Helterbrand been in his prime, but to ask a 35 year old to run the floor, score and create-- that's a little too much at this point since he's not really in the Ray Allen mold (more Allen Iverson). Also, putting him there forces Helterbrand to guard the opposing team's SG (which is usually the best offensive player on the roster) who are, in most cases, stronger, faster and best of all, YOUNGER.

Now that JH13 is older, I don't see why he can't play the PG and push the ball to his more open teammates. He's still a threat to knockdown shots (40% clip from both 2 and 3 pt areas), so that's a plus. In case Ginebra and the SMC family is sleeping on his situation, other teams that would greatly benefit from a veteran like Helterbrand: Barako Bull Energy, Shopinas.Com and maybe even Rain or Shine.

Personally, I don't see Helterbrand retiring after the Philippine Cup-- not yet, and if he does, it's probably to take a short break before coming back for one last push. Still, if he does choose to move on with his life, then he'll go down as one of the more dangerous guards to play the in the PBA.

Update: in a very LeBron James' "Decision-like" manner, Jayjay Helterbrand expressed his intentions to stay with Ginebra (and retire a Gin King) for the remainder of the year--in three parts (thanks AKTV).