The Converge FiberXers are loaded with talent—from their twin towers of Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar to the fiercely talented Alec Stockton to the skilled Schonny Winston. They got talent in every position and are still waiting for one more: Jordan Heading.
As Converge and PBA fans likely know by now, Jordan Heading isn’t just an ordinary talent. He’s Best Player of the Conference-type talent. The sweet-shooting lefty posted superb all-around numbers of 17.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 0.8 steal in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup before ending the tournament on a sour note no thanks to a troublesome back.
That problem, evidently, is still hounding Heading, and it has left a big void in the FiberXers’ already potent rotation two games into their 2024–25 PBA Philippine Cup campaign. At the moment, though, Converge coach Franco Atienza isn’t worried—not yet at least—because he believes he has more than enough pieces to hold the fort while his prized rookie recovers.
“Jordan was top five sa BPC, no.4 I think. He’s 17 points per game, almost 18. Hindi mapapalitan ng isang tao ‘yun. It’s a committee or a team,” Atienza told reporters after Converge beat Phoenix on Sunday to even its Philippine Cup record to 1-1. “He brings a lot to the table. While waiting for him, we have 15 other guys who will hold the fort, and we are confident na kung ano ‘yung nawala habang hinihintay namin si Jordan, these guys are ready to step up.”
More Than Enough Weapons to Make Up for Jordan Heading’s Absence
From the looks of it, Atienza’s right. Stockton continues to be superb (17.5 points), Arana has been a rock (16.5 points, 8.0 rebound), and Baltazar is finding his stride (10.0 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists). Even Bryan Santos (8.5 points) is beginning to find his shot again.
“Actually, we’re excited to find out sino ‘yung mag-step up because with everything he [Heading] brings to the table, it’s some big shoes to fill. The only way to do that is a through a team effort,” Atienza emphasized.
The good news for Atienza and Converge fans is that the FiberXers are a good enough team to hold the fort for Jordan Heading. And when he returns, sky might be the limit for this young, talented squad.
