Photo from FIBA
Jordan Heading’s decision to play one of Taiwan's professional basketball leagues faces a big stumbling block after the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas bared that he has a current pact as member of the Gilas Pilipinas pool.
The SBP said Thursday, Oct. 21 that it has informed world governing body FIBA and Taiwanese counterpart Chinese Taipei Basketball Association of Heading’s status after the southpaw guard joined the Taichung Suns of the new T1 League.
“We have formally written FIBA and the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association in connection with the reported playing in Taiwan for the Taichung Suns of Mr. Jordan Timothy Heading and have informed them that Mr. Heading has a ‘live’ legal contract with SBP until March 2023,” the SBP said.
It also said that no further comments will be made until FIBA responds.
Taichung announced several days ago the addition of Heading for the inaugural season of the T1 League, a second Taiwanese pro league after the launch of the P.League last year.
Heading has a history in Taiwan, having attended high school in Taichung where the Suns are based.
The Fil-Australian agreed to be part of the Gilas pool earlier this year, and was even selected by Terrafirma in the special draft, meaning that he will be loaned to the national team before being released to the PBA.
That arrangement with the PBA has also made the situation between Heading and the SBP more complicated.
Heading suited up for Gilas in this year’s FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, averaging 10.5 points, 1.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in four games in both competitions.