Now wiser and more seasoned, Jordan Heading is not letting his second chance at winning his first PBA title slip away.
As the TNT Tropang 5G battle the San Miguel Beermen in the Season 50 Philippine Cup finals, Heading is turning past heartbreak into fuel as he prepares for what he described as a “gruesome” best-of-seven affair.
“I know a little bit more about them,” the 6-foot-2 Filipino-Australian told ABS-CBN News during the finals press conference in Quezon City.
“This is a really good team we are playing. I’ve been resting a lot and preparing for a grueling series.”
Heading acknowledged the prowess of the Beermen — the same squad that spoiled TNT’s Grand Slam hopes in Season 49 — saying San Miguel’s championship poise proved to be the difference in their previous Philippine Cup finals meeting.
“That is the reason they have won so many All-Filipino conferences,” he said. “They are a deep team from one through 12. They’re smart, and they play together really, really well.”
He also had high praise for San Miguel’s core, which he considers among the pillars of the current PBA.
“I’m thankful to have this challenge against some of the league’s greats,” Heading said. “We don’t know how long some of these guys will play.”
But just as he now understands the Beermen better, Heading is also banking on the stronger camaraderie he has built with his teammates since enduring last year’s finals loss.
“Chemistry has been built up over the last four months. I didn’t have that last time, so I’m excited to have another chance against these guys.”
Heading said the Tropang 5G’s trust in one another has only grown, with their fourth straight finals appearance — and second for him — serving as proof.
“I’m thankful for the relationships I’ve built with my teammates because those also contribute to success,” he said. “The time we spend together, seeing how each other works, that breeds respect.”
“If you see the work ethic and habits, you tend to give each other more leeway and not get mad right away. You have each other’s backs more, picking each other up when things aren’t going well,” he added. (ABS-CBN News)