PBA: Jordan Heading out with back injury, sees ‘seamless fit’ with TNT
Newly acquired TNT guard Jordan Heading in street clothes due to a back injury. He was on the Tropang 5G bench during the squad’s win over Blackwater in the PBA Philippine Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—TNT will have to be more patient before parading its newest guard Jordan Heading in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Heading’s anticipated debut with the Tropang 5G hit a snag with the Filipino-Australian dealing with a nagging back injury.
READ: PBA: TNT streak hits six as Jordan Heading awaits debut
Coach Chot Reyes says Jordan Heading is listed as “day-to-day,” and has no exact date for his debut with TNT yet. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/j6GUBaPZRe
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) June 6, 2025
“He’s really day-to-day because he still has that back injury that he’s still trying to recover from and he’s been inactive for a long time. It’s not that easy,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes after steering his squad to a 108-82 romp of Blackwater on Friday night at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“He’s been able to join a bit in our practice, not completely full contact practice but we’re not rushing.”
But even without Heading in their lineup, the Tropang 5G still managed to keep their momentum going, winning their sixth straight game after opening the Philippine Cup with three straight losses.
In their latest victory, Simon Enciso stepped up in the absence of Heading and star guard Rey Nambatac scoring 19 points.
READ: PBA: Heading, Nieto give TNT Grand Slam bid much-needed optimism, excitement
Jordan Heading may not have an exact debut date for TNT at the moment, but he’s excited to put it on for the Tropang 5G. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/9wbYnNxqcs
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) June 7, 2025
The 29-year-old Heading, who was traded to TNT in exchange for the rights to Mikey Williams, remained optimistic despite not having clearance to play yet for the Grand Slam-seeking squad.
“I think I’m going to be a seamless fit in terms of them already having an identity and culture that obviously wins championships,” said the former Gilas Pilipinas guard.
“I don’t need to come here and change anything, I just need to come here and do my role,” added Heading.
It remains uncertain if Heading will be available to suit up for TNT’s showdown against Barangay Ginebra on Sunday. TNT and Ginebra have not met since the Tropang 5G outlasted the Gin Kings in Game 7 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals on March 28.
