TNT was already shorthanded coming into the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup, but it looks like recent acquisition Jordan Heading will sit out the remainder of the elimination round.
Heading — who is still recovering from a lingering back issue — was listed as day-to-day as TNT looks to wrap up its preliminaries campaign.
The Filipino-Australian sharpshooter, who was traded from Converge in exchange for the rights to Mikey Williams, was activated on the same day as former Converge guard Mike Nieto. However, only Nieto saw action in TNT’s dominant 108-82 win over Blackwater.
Heading, dressed in street clothes, was spotted on the bench Friday evening at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
Heading last played during the Commissioner’s Cup Quarterfinals with Converge against Rain or Shine, where he posted impressive averages of 17.7 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game.
“I doubt it,” said TNT head coach Chot Reyes when asked about Heading’s availability. “He’s really day-to-day. Number one, he’s still dealing with that back injury. Number two, he’s been inactive for quite a while.
“Hindi ganoon kadali ‘yun.”
Still, there’s a glimmer of hope for TNT fans.
Reyes revealed that Heading has been participating in limited portions of team practices — a crucial step as he integrates into a squad eyeing a historic Grand Slam, a feat last achieved by San Mig Coffee in 2014.
Since the injuries to Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac, TNT has made several key roster moves: bringing back veteran Almond Vosotros, trading two-time Finals MVP Mikey Williams to Converge in exchange for Heading, and signing free agent Mike Nieto.
“He’s been able to join parts of our practices, not yet full contact, but we’re not rushing it,” said Reyes, an 11-time PBA champion.
Although the team continues to push for one of the four twice-to-beat incentives in the playoffs without Heading, Reyes acknowledged how valuable the former Gilas Pilipinas guard’s offensive arsenal could be down the stretch.
Heading’s presence would be a timely boost as TNT faces a tough finish to the eliminations — a Finals rematch against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Sunday, followed by a crucial clash with league-leading Magnolia Hotshots on Friday, June 13.
“Our mentality is to play the last two games with whoever is available,” Reyes emphasized.
“If Jordan can join us, that’s great. But if not, we have to figure things out with the team and the players we currently have.”
