PBA: Jordan Heading says TNT locals will help new import settle in

TNT Tropang 5G’s Jordan Heading during a game vs Meralco Bolts in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Jordan Heading said TNT’s locals will need to take on a bigger role following the injury to import Bol Bol in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.

After TNT absorbed an 87-76 loss to Meralco in Game 2 at Mall of Asia Arena on Friday, Heading told the Inquirer that the team’s immediate priority is helping TNT’s incoming import adjust quickly.

“Us locals definitely have to step up our leadership in terms of introducing whoever our new guy would be in our system,” he said. “We’ll try to help him feel at home as soon as possible, we’ll take the lead in making sure that he’s good to go.”

EXTRA HEARTBREAKING 💔

Jordan Heading talks about losing Bol Bol due to a partial achilles tear when TNT was already building good chemistry with its import. #PBA50 | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/VdpZ2iFlWo

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) May 22, 2026

Bol was ruled out for the remainder of the conference after suffering a partial Achilles tear in the first quarter.

As of writing, TNT is choosing between former NBA players Darius Days and Marquese Chriss as possible replacements.

Whether TNT picks Days or Chriss, Heading said the locals will do their part in helping the new import adjust to coach Chot Reyes’ system.

Heading also admitted that Bol’s injury was especially painful because TNT had already started building strong chemistry with him at the right time.

“Our chemistry has been really good with Bol, it became something we wanted it to be at the time that it mattered,” he said. “It’s extra heartbreaking with how well we’ve been gelling lately and how things have been going.”

TNT will play things by ear before Sunday for Game 3 at the same venue.