Romwel Anzures

TNT Tropang 5G sniper Jordan Heading in action against San Miguel Beermen gunner CJ Perez in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup. Photo from PBA Images.

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ABS-CBN News

<div style="line-height:1.5"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768912832664IMG_9712.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="TNT Tropang 5G sniper Jordan Heading in action against San Miguel Beermen gunner CJ Perez in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup. Photo from PBA Images."/>TNT Tropang 5G sniper Jordan Heading in action against San Miguel Beermen gunner CJ Perez in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup. Photo from PBA Images.MANILA — Now wiser and more seasoned, Jordan Heading is not letting his second chance at winning his first PBA title slip away.</div>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.<div style="line-height:1.5"><a class="fr-strong fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/1/19/pba-tnt-to-test-retooled-reloaded-roster-vs-benchmark-smb-in-finals-rematch-2010">READ: TNT to test retooled, reloaded roster vs. ‘benchmark’ SMB in Finals rematch</a></div>“Now, I know a little bit more about them,” the 6-foot-2 Filipino-Australian told ABS-CBN News during Monday’s 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, so I’m thankful to compete against the likes of Chris Ross, CJ Perez, June Mar Fajardo, and all these guys.”“These are the names you think of when you think of the PBA, so I’m excited to compete against them at the highest level,” he added.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.“I also know more about my team,” said Heading, who was acquired by TNT from the Converge FiberXers in June 2025. “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.It’s now a matter of application for Heading and TNT as they open the series on Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. RELATED VIDEO: <script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAFz8gWM8iRADsJr&amp;cid=ABwMBlLGAE5mebNz"></script>

#PBA50 || “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.” #PBAFinals

#PBA50 || “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.” #PBAFinals

PBA: How Jordan Heading turned Finals heartbreak into fuel for TNT

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PBA: How Jordan Heading turned Finals heartbreak into fuel for TNT

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published January 20, 2026 09:27 PM PHT

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