FILE – Gilas Pilipinas’ Jordan Heading. Photo from Fiba
MANILA, Philippines-National coach Chot Reyes has ruled out Jordan Heading from the Gilas Pilipinas’ buildup for the Fiba World Cup here next month.
The development was revealed to reporters on Monday night shortly after the training pool’s practice session at Meralco Gym in Pasig City.
Originally part of the 21-man talent pool that features overseas campaigners and Philippine Basketball Association standouts, Heading will no longer join the preparations due to a nagging back problem according to team manager Butch Antonio.
Heading last played for Gilas in the sixth window of the World Cup Qualifiers which pitted the Philippines against Lebanon and then Jordan. The Nationals split that schedule, prevailing over the Cedars at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
Heading’s last pro stop was with Nagasaki Velca the Japan B.League, where other national team standouts like Kiefer Ravena and Ray Parks Jr. are plying their trades.
Antonio said that the Fil-Aussie sniper, who also served in the Philippines’ youth team, is continuing to rehabilitate his back following a long B.League season.
Heading played in 56 games for the Velca during the 2022-2023 season, averaging 13.4 points, 3.6 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.1 steals.
The absence of Heading is Gilas’ second official loss. Versatile forward Carl Tamayo, who is also playing in Japan, was the first to withdraw from the World Cup preps, citing a knee problem.
The Gilas brain trust has since expressed its willingness to expand its talent pool, and the PBA has also affirmed its continued support to the national programs’ cause should the need arise.