Jordan Heading is back in the Philippines as the latest addition to Strong Group ahead of the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Tournament which will tip off in 10 days on Jan. 19 to 28. 

The Gilas Pilipinas sniper returns for another tour of duty in an international competition since last playing for the country in the fifth and sixth windows of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. 

 The Filipino-Aussie then missed out on the national team’s campaign in the World Cup which was co-hosted by the Philippines last year as back issues prevented Heading from playing. 

Heading is set to join ex-NBA players Dwight Howard and Andray Blatche in the lineup as well as Andre Roberson and McKenzie Moore as imports in the upcoming tourney. 

Strong Group just recently tapped MPBL MVP Justin Baltazar to the roster that also boasts collegiate standouts in UAAP Season 86 MVP Kevin Quiambao along with his La Salle teammate Francis Escandor. 

The Charles Tiu-coached squad also added the College of St. Benilde trio of Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot and Justine Sanchez, while La Salle mentor Topex Robinson joined the coaching staff. 

Strong Group, which finished as quarterfinalist in last year’s edition, is looking to eclipse its previous record with an almost entirely different set of roster.