The Pangasinan Heatwaves are bringing the heat in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) which is scheduled to open on April 6, 2024 at Calasiao Sports Complex, Pangasinan.
While it is one of three new franchises in the MPBL this season, team Pangasinan made sure to build a competitive team. Initially, it was the team of ex-PBA player Chris Calaguio who conducted the tryouts and coached the team. However, the Heatwaves signed Jerson Cabiltes as head coach when he parted ways with the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards.
Coach Jerson Cabiltes brought with him Shaq Taganas, Hesed Gabo and Michael Mabulac, as well sa Ralph Robin to the Heatwaves. They will reinforce the team composed of Vince Tolentino, Jonjon Gabriel, Mark Dyke, Ian Melencio, Marc Poole, Jeff Javillonar and Ed Daquioag.
The Heatwaves will also feature homegrown talents from the Province of Pangasinan which has produced several PBA players such as lakay Danny Ildefonso. The homegrown players of the Pangasinan Heatwaves are Kenmark Miranda, JR Caasi, Jerick Villanueva, Jeric Garcia, Kurt Calaguio, Mark Meneses, Jhapz Bautista and Jason Tan. You can check out the lineup of other teams in the following link 2024 MPBL Season Teams and Lineup.
PANGASINAN HEATWAVES LINEUP
2024 MPBL REGULAR SEASON
| Pos | Player | Height |
|---|---|---|
| F | Vince Tolentino | 6'3 |
| C | Jonjon Gabriel | 6'6 |
| F | Mark Dyke | 6'3 |
| G | Ian Melencio | 5'8 |
| F | Marc Poole | 6'3 |
| F | Jeff Javillonar | 6'3 |
| G | Kurt Calaguio | 5'9 |
| F | JR Caasi | 6'4 |
| G | CJ Gania | 6'2 |
| C | Shaq Taganas | 6'3 |
| G | Hesed Gabo | 5'9 |
| G | Ed Daquioag | 6'1 |
| G | Jason Tan | 5'11 |
| G | Ralph Robin | 5'10 |
| C | Jerick Villanueva | 6'7 |
| G | Jhapz Baustista | 6'1 |
| F | Dennice Villamor | 6'4 |
| F | Mark Meneses | 6'3 |
| G | Ken Mark Miranda | 6'1 |
| C | Michael Mabulac | 6'2 |
| G | Jeric Garcia | 6'1 |
Head Coach: Jerson Cabiltes
The Pangasinan Heatwaves will host the opening of the MPBL 2024. They will play their first ever game in the MPBL against the Abra Weavers, another new franchise, at 8:00 PM. Meanwhile, Valenzuela and Zamboanga will play at 6:00 PM.
The opening game of the Pangasinan Heatwaves will also be the coaching debut of Jerson Cabiltes for Pangasinan. Can he bring a championship to Pangasinan in his first season with the team?