Jordan’s new heading

Finally, Jordan Heading will get to play in the PBA. The 6’2” Filipino-Australian guard recently signed a two-year contract with the Converge FiberXers, where he will team up with top draft pick Justine Baltazar for the rising young squad. Heading relishes the opportunity to play pro in the country at long last.

“I’m really excited to be with the guys,” he begins. “We’ve had a few practices together now, and the energy’s been good. There’s a lot of good talent out there, and I’m excited to get started.”

Heading took the circuitous route to the league. He first gained attention in 2019 with Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL). He was set to join the PBA when the pandemic struck. He spent the last three years with the Taichung Wagor Suns in Taiwan, Nagasaki Velca in Japan, and the West Adelaide Bearcats. The past years have also included stints with Gilas Pilipinas and Strong Group Athletics. Even in college, he was used to being the elder, the leader.

“Hopefully, I can pass on some of my knowledge that I picked up overseas,” Heading adds. “Some of these guys can pick up on that stuff.”

The 28-year-old veteran understands that there will be a learning curve, but he feels that all of the right pieces are there. He says that everything will inevitably fall into place.

“I don’t expect us to be at our best immediately,” he explains. “I think there’ll be a little bit of a transition period with some key additions. It’ll take a little bit of time, with Balti (Baltazar) and me there. Once we build the chemistry, we’re going to be dangerous.”

One reason Jordan Heading is excited for his PBA debut is that being in the country also makes him more available to play for the national team once again. With his effort and patience, it could happen.