Barangay Ginebra coach Jong Uichico has denied rumors that the PBA’s most popular team is set to trade one of its most popular players, Jayjay Helterbrand, for Sol Mercado of Rain or Shine. An item posted on Twitter by Charles Tiu, brother of Smart Gilas team captain Chris Tiu, said rumors of the trade are rife in the pro league.
Talks of a trade surfaced as Ginebra prepared to face the strong San Miguel Beer squad in the first game of their best-of-seven semifinal series on Jan. 5 at the Big Dome.
“No way Ginebra will trade JayJay,” said Uichico, pointing out that Helterbrand is a key player in the Barangay Ginebra lineup.
Helterbrand has been bothered by injury but so has Mercado, who had a short but injury-plagued stint with the Smart Gilas team last month.
Helterbrand, on the other hand was also sparingly used by Uichico.
Ronnie Nathanielsz, Phil. Daily Inquirer
