As much as TNT needs Jordan Heading's services now, the former Converge FiberXer will have to sit out the Tropang 5G's game vs. Blackwater Friday, June 6.
TNT did not waste time in activating newly-acquired cagers Jordan Heading and Mike Nieto Thursday, June 5.
To make room for Heading and Nieto, the Tropang 5G relegated Chris Exciminiano and Calvin Payawal to the unrestricted free agent list.
This move came just a day before TNT takes on Blackwater in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate.
[RELATED STORY: TNT trades for Jordan Heading, sending Mikey Williams' signing rights to Converge]
But before fans get their hopes up, Heading — acquired in a one-on-one trade with Converge for the signing rights to the enigmatic Mikey Williams — is not making his debut yet in Friday’s (June 6) 5:00 p.m. match.
In a text message to One Sports on Thursday, June 5, TNT coach Chot Reyes said the Fil-Australian will not see action in the Blackwater game.
"No," said Reyes.
After emerging as a Best Player of the Conference candidate in the Commissioner’s Cup, Heading has yet to play in the All-Filipino tournament owing to back spasms.
The heady playmaker, though, met his new teammates already at the Ateneo Moro Lorenzo Gym Wednesday, June 4.
After winning back-to-back titles this season, the Tropang 5G are gunning for a rare Grand Slam last achieved by the then-San Mig Coffee Mixers in 2014.
Injuries to star guards Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac prompted Reyes and company to make some personnel move, beginning with the signing of Simon Enciso before the conference started.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Jayson Castro of TNT Tropang 5G dropped to UFA list]
Last week, TNT also recalled Almond Vosotros — released at the end of the mid-season conference — to shore up its backcourt after Jielo Razon underwent appendectomy.
The Tropang 5G then made a move for Heading before picking up Nieto when the FiberXers placed the latter as unrestricted free agent.
Despite the unfortunate injuries that befell the squad, TNT managed to string five straight wins after a dismal 0-3 start and intends to soar higher.