Having a controversial path coming into the league, Heading made a sensational debut, nailing 26 points built on five triples to go along with eight rebounds and six assists. 

However, the club team fell short to the Taiwan HeroBears, 111-117, to open their campaign in the 2021 T1 League. 

Heading, who was also missing in Sun’s preseason games, as well as the team’s teaser promoting the squad ahead of the season, arrived in Taiwan a couple of weeks ago. 

It was the latest issue that Heading underwent as SBP questioned the validity of Heading’s contract with the T1 club, stating Heading has a “live” legal contract with the federation until March 2023.

The club responded in a social media post saying, “hereby declare that the contract signed between the Taichung Suns and Jordan Heading all comply with the legal requirements, and all comply with FIBA’s transfer-related regulations.”

Down 83-94 with 8:56 left, Heading paced Sun by scoring eight points to bring life to the squad. 

Ding Shengru backstopped as it cut the deficit into four, 99-103, with 2:23 left in the clock.

However, Jiang Luoan of the HeroBears kept firing to fend off Taichung and raise TaiwanBeer’s slate to 2-1.

Sani Sakakini spearheaded Taichung with 40 points and 16 rebounds while Chen Jinghuan added 20 points.

Meanwhile, Diamond Stone nailed an unstoppable performance, ending with 47 points with 12 rebounds while Tony Mitchell nailed triple-double performance with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists and Jiang added 20 points as he went 9-of-9 from the stripe.

The Suns imports Alonzo Gee and Donte Greene were not also present in the Sun’s opening game as they are still clearing quarantine protocols. 

Taichung will try to bounce back from its loss as it faces Jason Brickman and Kaohsiung on December 19.