THE Pangasinan Heatwaves and the Abra Weavers may be newcomers, but they wouldn’t be pushovers in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season starting on April 6 at the Calasiao Sports Complex.
Pangasinan bared its intent to contend right away in the country’s top regional league when it tapped multi-titled coach Jerson Cabiltes to steer the Heatwaves against the rest of the 30-team field in the nine-month tournament.
Cabiltes brought along Hesed Gabo, Michael Mabulac and Jay-R Taganas from the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards and have enlisted the services of Ian Melencio, Ed Daquioag, Mark Dyke, Mark Poole, Vince Tolentino, Jeff Javillonar and Jonjon Gabriel.
Not to be outdone, Abra tapped youthful and capable coach Jonathan Banal to steer the Weavers past the elimination round.