Pangasinan Heatwaves

The Pangasinan Heatwaves[1] are a Filipino professional basketball team based in the province of Pangasinan. The team competes in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) as a member of the league's North Division.[2] They are the lone team based in the Ilocos Region and play their home games at the Calasiao Sports Complex in Calasiao.[3]

Pangasinan Heatwaves
2024 Pangasinan Heatwaves season
LeagueMPBL
FoundedFebruary 7, 2024; 3 months ago (February 7, 2024)
HistoryPangasinan Heatwaves
(2024–present)
ArenaCalasiao Sports Complex
LocationCalasiao, Pangasinan
Team colors       
Team managerFJ Dylim
Head coachJerson Cabiltes

History

Background and founding

The province of Pangasinan has previously been involved in professional basketball in the country. For three seasons, the Pangasinan Presidents/Waves took part in the Metropolitan Basketball Association. The province also hosted the PBA All-Star Weekend in 2019, which was held at the Calasiao Sports Complex.[4]

The team was first announced on January 17, 2024, when Alaminos mayor Bryan Celeste posted a tryout for the Pangasinan-based team.[5] On February 7, 2024, the team formally signed as expansion team and was initially named the Pangasinan Heat. They are one of two expansion teams admitted for the MPBL's 2024 season, the other being the Abra Weavers.[2] Former Bayambang mayor Cezar Quiambao was named as team owner.[3] Jerson Cabiltes took on the role of head coach for their inaugural season coming off a two-year stint with the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards franchise. Cabiltes' presence also brought in players from the Rice Vanguards, such as Hesed Gabo and Michael Mabulac to go alongside ex-PBA cagers Ed Daquioag and Dennice Villamor.[6]

First season

Their first game was played on April 6, 2024 as part of the season's opening gameday. In their inaugural game, the Heatwaves lost at home in an expansion battle against the Abra Weavers.[7][8] Their first franchise win came on April 17 against the Bulacan Kuyas at Paco Arena while their first home win was achieved on April 27 against the Marikina Shoemasters.

Team identity

According to Quiambao, the name references the province's solar power supply and its aim to become the country's "Solar Capital".[9][3]

Home venues

The only venue the Heatwaves have used thus far is the Calasiao Sports Complex, which also hosted the opening gameday in 2024.

VenueLocation2024
Calasiao Sports ComplexCalasiao, Pangasinan Y

Current roster

PlayersCoaches
Pos.No.NameHeightWeightDOBFrom
F3Taganas, Jay-R6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)191 lb (87 kg)1987–09–01San Beda
5Calaguio, Kurt (HG)
F/C6Gabriel, Jonjon6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)San Lorenzo
G7Gabo, Hesed5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)1992–03–21Mapúa
G8Daquioag, Ed6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)170 lb (77 kg)1991–08–18UST
9Tan, Jason
10Dyke, Mark
11Robin, Ralph
G/F12Tolentino, Vince6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)1993–08–27Ateneo
G14Melencio, Ian5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)1989–05–11AIMS
15Javillonar, Jeff
16Villanueva, Jerick (HG)
17Bautista, Jerald
F18Villamor, Dennice6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)195 lb (88 kg)1990–07–01National-U
19Meneses, Mark (HG)
G22Gania, CJ6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)DHVSU
25Miranda, Ken Mark
F/C28Mabulac, Michael6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)218 lb (99 kg)1991–10–31José Rizal
34Poole, Marc
44Garcia, Jeric (HG)
55Cassi, JR (HG)
Head coach
  • Jerson Cabiltes
Team consultant

Legend
  • (HG) Homegrown
  • (FF) Filipino-foreigner
  • (SGL) Special Guest Licensee
  • Injured

Updated as of: April 6, 2024

Season-by-season records

League champions
Division champions
Qualified for playoffs
Best regular season record
SeasonRegular seasonPlayoffs
DivisionFinishGPWLPCTGBStageResults
Pangasinan Heatwaves
2024NorthTo be determined
All-time regular season record0000 playoff appearances
All-time playoff record0000 Finals appearances
All-time overall record0000 championships

References