Heading recovers, kicks off TNT era

What was previously reported to be a long healing process turned into an instant recovery as Jordan Heading made his much-anticipated debut for TNT Tropang 5G in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Heading, who was nursing a back spasm that prompted Converge to send him to TNT in exchange for the inactive Mikey Williams last week, looked fine as he dropped 10 points, three rebounds and three assists in 19 minutes of action during the Tropang 5G’s 78-97 loss to Barangay Ginebra in the Philippine Cup late Sunday.

He said a last-minute clearance from the doctor sparked his return from the injury that has been nagging him since Game 3 of the Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals between Converge and Rain or Shine last February.

“They (Tropang 5G) had taken me to their doctors and they cleared me,” said the Filipino-Australian sniper, the top overall pick in the Gilas special draft in 2020.

“Coach (Chot Reyes) told me to be ready tonight (but) I wasn’t sure if I was going to play.”

TNT has an urgent need for a healthy Heading.

In fact, winning the Philippine Cup title is very crucial to the Manny Pangilinan-backed squad as it will enable it to become only the fourth PBA team to win a rare grand slam after Crispa, San Miguel Beer and Alaska.

Aside from that, TNT gunners Rey Nambatac and Jason Castro are out with injuries creating a gaping hole in TNT coach Chot Reyes’ offensive assault.

Heading said after making his first game as a Tropang 5G, there’s a good chance for him to regain his deadly form in the playoffs.

“Obviously, time is ticking and the playoffs are just around the corner. So we just wanted to get my feet wet,” the 29-year-old sniper said.

“I just wanted to fast track getting into game shape and there’s no better way than to get in the game.”

Heading will continue regaining his fitness when TNT battles Magnolia on Friday.