The Pangasinan Heatwaves were a Philippine professional basketball team based in the province of Pangasinan. The team last competed in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). The team last played their home games at Robert B. Estrella Sr. Memorial Stadium in Rosales.
The team began play in the 2024 MPBL season as part of the league's Northern Luzon expansion. They also compete in the Pilipinas Super League under the name Pangasinan Abono Reapers.
History Background and founding The province of Pangasinan has previously been involved in professional basketball in the country. For three seasons, the Pangasinan Presidents in 1998 to 1999 season, and changed its club name to Pangasinan Waves in 1999 & 2002 season in the Metropolitan Basketball Association. The province also hosted the PBA All-Star Weekend in 2019, which was held at the Calasiao Sports Complex.
The team was first announced on January 17, 2024, when Alaminos mayor Bryan Celeste posted a tryout for the Pangasinan-based team. 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. Former Bayambang mayor Cezar Quiambao was named as team owner. 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.
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. 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".
Home venues In 2024, the Heatwaves played all of their home games at the Calasiao Sports Complex in Calasiao, including that season's opening day. In 2025, the team began playing at Robert B. Estrella Sr. Memorial Stadium in Rosales.
Venue Location Capacity 2024 2025 Calasiao Sports Complex Calasiao, Pangasinan 3,000 Robert B. Estrella Sr. Memorial Stadium Rosales, Pangasinan N/A
Personnel
2025 roster
Head coaches Pangasinan Heatwaves head coaches # Name Start End Achievements Ref. 1 2024 2025 —
Notable players
MPBL All-Star Day
All-Star selections Hesed Gabo – 2024 Michael Juico – 2024
PBA players
Ex-PBA players Mac Baracael Michael DiGregorio (returned to PBA) Hesed Gabo Bong Galanza Michael Juico Michael Mabulac Jay-R Taganas Mac Tallo Dennice Villamor
Season-by-season records League champions Division champions Qualified for playoffs Best regular season record
Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Season Regular season Playoffs Division Finish GP W L PCT GB Stage ResultsPangasinan Heatwaves 2024 North 11th 28 12 16 14 Did not qualify 2025 North 7th 29 20 9 8 Division quarterfinals Division semifinals Division finals won vs. Nueva Ecija, 2–1 won vs. San Juan, 2–1 lost vs. Abra, 0–3 Did not participate from 2026 All-time regular season record 32 25 1 playoff appearances All-time playoff record 4 5 0 finals appearances All-time overall record 36 30 0 championships
Pilipinas Super League Season Regular season Playoffs Finish GP W L PCT GB Stage ResultsPangasinan Abono Reapers 2024–25 President's Cup 4th 10 8 2 1 Quarterfinals 1 Semifinals won vs. Biñan, 1–0 lost vs. Caloocan, 1–2 All-time regular season record 8 2 1 playoff appearance All-time playoff record 3 2 0 finals appearances All-time overall record 11 4 0 championships
References