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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider SMB's Tiongson, TNT's Heading upbeat for first Finals

SMB's Tiongson, TNT's Heading upbeat for first Finals

Published Jul 12, 2025 03:58 pm

At A Glance

  • San Miguel's Juami Tiongson and TNT's Jordan Heading are marching into their respective first finals appearances in the PBA but they are, in no means, intimidated by how big is at stake for their teams.
By REYNALD MAGALLON
San Miguel’s Juami Tiongson and TNT’s Jordan Heading are marching into their respective first PBA Finals appearances, but they are by no means intimidated by what’s at stake for their teams.
Instead, they vow to stay present and focus on becoming exactly what their teams need.
“I'm super grateful to be here in this position with TNT and to be in the finals here. This is the type of situation that as players, we all live and die for, to play in these meaningful games that people will remember,” said Heading.
“I'm very thankful for the opportunity. I'm very thankful to San Miguel to have this experience," Tiongson said. "It's always been a dream of mine. In terms of pressure, I have Chris Ross anyway. He always has my back. So, he's a great leader and an even better person. So, I feel like there's no pressure."
Both players took similar paths to the Finals, with SMB and TNT acquiring them to fill key roles on their respective squads.
Having spent most of his career with non-contending teams, Tiongson is thankful for the opportunity to finally reach the finals and compete for his first PBA title.
“Very thankful po ako sa opportunity na binigay sa akin sa lahat ng teams na nag-take ng chance sa akin,” said the 34-year-old guard who is the starting point guard of SMB.
“From college naman to pros, hindi naman matunog pangalan ko eh. Wala naman ako sa discussion in terms of draft pick. Pero to be here, dinaan ko lang talaga sa just hard work. Tsaka tiwala sa Diyos,” he added.
Although more well-known between the two -- thanks to his stint with Gilas Pilipinas -- Jordan Heading’s PBA career didn’t take off right away as he opted to play elsewhere after being drafted by Terrafirma.
He later suited up for Converge, but was sidelined by a back injury last conference. Ahead for the playoffs, he was traded to TNT, where he has slowly but steadily found his rhythm in trying to fill in the roles of Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac.
“I wouldn't really describe it as pressure, but rather as responsibility as the next man up in terms of, obviously, huge holes with Jason and Ray being out. There's a little bit of room for the need for another creator. And I'm just trying to be that for this team,” said Heading.
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