Jordan Heading remains open to playing for Gilas despite the circumstances that led to him signing with Taichung Wagor in the upstart T1 League.
After all, it was with Gilas that he was able to make a name for himself.
Photo from FIBA Asia Cup
“Yeah. It’s some things fall in line, I would do it,” the 6-foot-2 Filipino-American gunner told the Gametime podcast. “It’s such an honor to play for Gilas. It’s never going to be something that I take lightly. It’s always going to be something that I’m really going to be able to try and be able to do if they still want me. That would be fantastic.
“I would like to play for them again.”
Back on October 20, Heading was in the middle of controversy after signing with the Suns.
The 25-year-old product of California Baptist was the first overall pick made by Terrafirma in the 2021 PBA Rookie Draft’s Gilas portion. He also signed a two-year deal to be a full-time Gilas player.
However, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) ruled in favor of Taichung, saying that it was legal for Heading to sign with a club team.
And he has been tearing it up in T1.
Photo from Taichung Wagor Suns
“It’s a lot of fun. There are only six teams but we get to travel all around the island,” said Heading, who is currently averaging 18.7 points on 3.9 treys per game with 5.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists. “It can get tiring playing back-to-back but the competition is really good. The imports especially have NBA experience. It gives you a lot of experience.
“The level is really high and it’s good to have a couple of Filipino-foreigners in Jason (Brickman) and Caelan (Tiongson).”
Besides getting to play pro ball, playing in Taichung is extra special for Heading as it is the place he grew up in.
Photo from Taichung Wagor Suns
Before moving to the States, Heading’s family lived in Taichung, even studying and playing for Morrison High School
“It was pretty unbelievable because this is the city where I grew up in 11 years. To be able to show my wife (Lauren) where I grew up is pretty exciting.”
Taichung is currently 5-5 in the standings, sitting at fourth in the six-team league.
Heading only signed a one-year deal with the Suns, which ends on either May or June. And he hopes that he gets renewed by the team for the second season of the league.
“I only signed a contract for this season. It’s just about playing this season and hopefully play next season. Whatever comes, comes,” he said.
“I’m not signed on here after this year but it’s a beautiful place here so who knows.”
