Jordan Heading was with Gilas during the national team’s last FIBA OQT stint in 2021, averaging 14.5 points per game in Belgrade.
Despite showing flashes of brilliance as a bigger guard that can shoot, Jordan Heading has been a notable omission for Gilas Pilipinas.
Resurfacing for Strong Group-Philippines for the upcoming 43rd William Jones Cup, the
Filipino-Australian sharpshooter offered an explanation on why he had to turn down an invitation to play for Gilas in the upcoming FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Despite being contacted by Gilas head coach Tim Cone to fill in for the injured Scottie Thompson, Heading shared personal reasons for his unavailability.
“My wife and I, we’ve been trying to get pregnant for a while,” Heading told One Sports.
[Related: Tim Cone gives honest assessment of Gilas Pilipinas ahead of FIBA OQT match against Latvia]
"Unfortunately, he [Tim Cone] called [at the very] last minute, and we were in the middle of our last cycle work with the fertility specialist so I couldn’t leave mid-cycle.”
Heading also shared his regret over the timing, emphasizing that he did everything he could to make it work with Gilas Pilipinas for the FIBA OQT.
"I tried everything I could to make it work, but it was just a little bit too late."
Despite not being able to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas, Heading remains hopeful about future opportunities with the national team.
“Hopefully, in the future windows, they still want me, you know? Hopefully we can figure that out,” he said.
[Related: FIBA OQT: Gilas Pilipinas schedule, where to watch, and all else you need to know]
For Heading, family is a top priority, “I told him [Tim Cone], if it was something else, I would have made it work but, family comes first.”
In his honest response to coach Tim, Heading made it clear that his decision was solely based on the importance of his family.
For Heading, this was a personal sacrifice he had to make amidst the call for national team duties.
"I told him that if it was anything else in the world other than my wife and I trying to start our family, I wouldn't have dropped it."
Despite not being able to don the national colors this time around, Heading sends good luck to Gilas Pilipinas, who will take on Latvia and Georgia in pool play of their 2024 FIBA OQT stint.
“Take care of business boys, we will all be watching here in the Philippines and we’re always cheering for you guys. I'm excited to see you guys compete and excited to see you guys make it to the Olympics.”
[Related: For the Olympic dream: Looking back on Gilas Pilipinas' previous OQT stints]
Jordan Heading was with Gilas during the national team’s last FIBA OQT stint in 2021, averaging 14.5 points per game in Belgrade.
He last played for the national team in the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.