Heat ready to sizzle in MPBL

The Pangasinan Heat officially joined the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League following the contract signing held on Wednesday at the Provincial Capitol in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Franchise owner Cezar Quiambao and MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes signed the memorandum of agreement that formally makes Pangasinan the league’s newest member after Abra was admitted to the league on Tuesday.

Witnessing the signing were Pangasinan Gov. Ramon Guico III, Congressman Art Celeste, Alaminos Mayor Bryan Celeste, and MPBL legal counsel Glen Gacal.

Also present were Pangasinense cage legends Danny Ildefonso, Marlou Aquino and Cris Calaguio and the coaching staff headed by Jun Marzan.

Guico thanked the MPBL for accepting Pangasinan in its fold and Quiambao for agreeing to be the franchise owner.

Despite the short time of preparation left for the MPBL 6th Season set to start on 16 March, the Pangasinan Heat benefactors are determined to field a strong team and are aiming for a top-five finish in their maiden stint in the country’s top regional cage league founded by eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.

Quiambao, who was approached by Gov. Gueco and Cong. Celeste to head the franchise, said they chose the Heat moniker in line with Pangasinan’s thrust to become the Solar Capital of the Philippines.

Celeste said forming a competitive team is a challenge, but “we will do our best” as finishing at the bottom is not an option.

Although Pangasinan wants to tap as many homegrown talents as possible, it is looking for five to seven pros, especially big men, to beef up the squad, which will use the Calasiao Sports Complex as its homecourt in the meantime.

Duremdes welcomed the entry of the Pangasinan Heat, noting that the team’s vision of tapping mostly local talents jibes with the MPBL’s mission of giving opportunities to homegrown players and promoting grassroots development.