Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

2023 FIBA World Cup

More than Gilas return, Jordan Heading relishes ‘home debut’


By: Rom Anzures

BOCAUE — Jordan Heading’s return to Gilas Pilipinas was more than just a basketball game. It was a moment of pure joy for the Fil-Australian guard, who last played for the national team during the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.

With his smooth shooting and quick moves, Heading helped his team secure a 107-96 victory against Lebanon at the Philippine Arena here on Friday. He finished with 10 points built on two treys with two assists and two boards.

And Heading admitted that he was relishing every bit of moment from the game as this was his first time playing in front of a home crowd.

“It was just really fun being out there with the guys,” said Heading, who plays for Nagasaki.

“It was just really fun being out there with the guys. This night was incredible for me. My earlier Gilas days were in the bubble, so I wasn’t able to experience the Gilas crowd. It’s everything I’ve dreamed of. It’s just so amazing to play in this atmosphere, to play in the Philippine Arena.”

For Heading, being back on the Gilas roster was an honor and a privilege. After leaving the Philippines in 2021 to play in Taiwan and eventually in Japan, he saw his name back on the roster this year.

FIBA-WCQ-Gilas-vs.-LBN-Jordan-Heading-5366 More than Gilas return, Jordan Heading relishes 'home debut' 2023 FIBA World Cup Basketball Gilas Pilipinas News  - philippine sports news

“It’s amazing to be back here,” he said.

“I always have the time of my life with Gilas. The love and support of the country and also just the brotherhood of the guys, it’s really fun to be a part of.”

Heading’s return to the team was timely, as the Philippines was missing one of their consistent scorers, Roger Pogoy. But with players like Heading constantly getting into the system, the team has been able to build a program that can weather any storm.

#ReadMore  Gilas to enter 'Calambubble' anew

“That’s how we’re trying to build a program, constantly getting players into the system so when somebody goes down, we just go through the depth chart,” explained Gilas coach Chot Reyes.

And Heading’s contributions were crucial in securing the win against Lebanon, as the team looks ahead to their final game in the sixth leg of the World Cup Qualifiers, where they will face Jordan on Monday.

Despite the assurance of a slot in the World Cup in August, the team knows how important it is to finish strong.

FIBA-WCQ-Gilas-vs.-LBN-5062 More than Gilas return, Jordan Heading relishes 'home debut' 2023 FIBA World Cup Basketball Gilas Pilipinas News  - philippine sports news

“This is a special team. It’s something that means so much to us, it’s something that means so much to the country,” said the 27-year-old sniper.

And with his renewed commitment to the team, there’s no telling how deep Gilas will be come the World Cup.

Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

TNT got fortunate enough in the endgame and escaped San Miguel, 99-96, to take Game 1 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals,...

Basketball

AJ Edu is ready to step up and take on a bigger role in the frontcourt as Gilas Pilipinas continues to deal with injuries...

Basketball

Don’t even bother throwing any ‘asa sa import’ jab at Chot Reyes and TNT. No one from the Tropang 5G is giving much thought...

Basketball

Tim Cone believes fatigue will be Gilas Pilipinas’ biggest challenge as the national team ramps up preparations for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 this...

Basketball

Kevin Quiambao’s return to Gilas Pilipinas remains uncertain as he continues his pursuit of an NBA opportunity, currently working out for five teams in...

Basketball

A new era begins for Gilas Pilipinas. German sportswear adidas has unveiled the new set of jerseys for the Philippine national basketball teams on...

Basketball

Eager to make up for lost time, Rhenz Abando is more than willing to do whatever it takes for another shot at glory with...

Basketball

It may only be a matter of time before Dwight Ramos returns home for good — and takes his talents to Asia’s first-ever pay-for-play...

Advertisement