MANILA, Philippines – During the mid-season conference, a number of eagerly awaited rookies, including the top overall choice from the most recent draft, are scheduled to make their PBA debuts. Jordan Heading, a standout from the Gilas program, is one of them. After a remarkable journey, he is finally making his league debut.

Heading’s rights were purchased by Converge FiberXers from Terrafirma in a big trade that also gave Dyip Keith Zaldivar, Aljun Melecio, and a first-round pick for Season 51. Terrafirma first chose Heading, a 28-year-old Fil-Australian marksman, as the first overall pick in the 2020 Gilas special draft. Given his track record of scoring goals and international experience, it is anticipated that his addition to Converge’s squad will increase the team’s offensive firepower.

Heading is one of three rookies making their Converge debut, indicating the team’s emphasis on adding new players to its roster. In addition to his shooting accuracy, he possesses leadership abilities that could impact the FiberXers’ campaign. As a player that has performed exceptionally well in regional and worldwide competitions, Heading’s move to the PBA is eagerly awaited by both supporters and experts.

Converge hopes to build on the promise demonstrated in prior events by making a strong push in the mid-season conference with this infusion of fresh talent.

After recently concluding his undergraduate career with Letran, big man Pao Javillonar is also making his debut in Asia’s oldest play-for-pay league. He was selected by the FiberXers with the 19th overall choice in the second round.

Although he will wear Converge’s purple and white jersey this second conference, highly-touted Justine Baltazar, the team’s number one overall pick, will miss the team’s first games as he attempts to complete his MPBL finals commitment with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns.

The Mabalacat native, 27, has not yet been added to the FiberXers’ official roster for the competition.

Jerom Lastimosa and Mark Nonoy, two first-round picks, are also expected to play for the first time.

The 26-year-old Lastimosa of Adamson University, who was tabbed at number nine by Magnolia, was unable to participate in the season-opening Governors’ Cup as he recovers from ACL surgery that kept him out of commission for nearly a year.

However, Nonoy, who was selected at number 10 following Lastimosa, waited for his MPBL contract with Iloilo United Royals to expire before joining Terrafirma.

The 26-year-old Lastimosa of Adamson University, who was tabbed at number nine by Magnolia, was unable to participate in the season-opening Governors’ Cup as he recovers from ACL surgery that kept him out of commission for nearly a year.

However, Nonoy, who was selected at number 10 following Lastimosa, waited for his MPBL contract with Iloilo United Royals to expire before joining Terrafirma.

As part of the historic deal between Barangay Ginebra and Terrafirma, the Dyip acquired the rights to the former De La Salle and University of Santo Tomas guard. The deal included Stephen Holt, Isaac Go, Christian Standhardinger, Stanley Pringle, the tenth overall pick, and the third overall pick, who ended up being RJ Abarrientos.

Alongside Mark Nonoy, Terrafirma will make their debut with CJ Catapusan, who was chosen 15th overall. Both players had a strong on-court relationship while playing for the United Royals, which could help the Dyip.

Blackwater will present Miguel Corteza, who was traded to the Bossing in exchange for a future second-round pick after being originally selected by Rain or Shine with the 20th overall pick. It is anticipated that Corteza’s adaptable style of play would provide Blackwater’s team more depth as they aim for improved conference performance.

In addition, two talented rookies awaiting their official league debuts are Agem Miranda of NorthPort and Mike Malonzo of Rain or Shine. The Elasto Painters selected Malonzo 16th overall, and the Batang Pier selected Miranda 29th. Both players hope to make an impression once they go onto the floor by contributing special skill sets and potential to their teams.