Mightily proud and overjoyed is what Rain or Shine guard Gabe Norwood is feeling right now after securing a berth to once again represent the country to the FIBA World Cup in China.
This time though, he described his selection to Gilas squad as unique and very challenging because he will play a different role – as a big brother to the young turks like Robert Bolick, CJ Perez and Kiefer Ravena.
“I never really count myself in, I try to earn my spot just like everyone else,” said Norwood in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum held at the Amelie Hotel in Manila. “I take every opportunity as its own special case.”
Norwood has donned the national team colors since 2007 when he was tabbed as member of the PH team to the FIBA Asia Championship in Tokushima, Japan.
Since then, the 6-foot-6 Norwood has played in a number of Asian championships, including the one held here in 2013 where the Philippines won the silver medal to earn a spot in the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain – the first for the country in 40 years.
Norwood, who started his amateur career with Hapee Toothpaste in the now defunct Philippine Basketball League, has played all the six qualifying tournaments for Asia in the FIBA World Cup that began in late November 2017 under former coach Chot Reyes, and later with Guiao.
“It’s crazy to think about this trying to go through the process, and remembering every tour of duty. But it’s humbling to know the importance of basketball here in the Philippines, and to be thought of as an important part and important piece of the history is something I take seriously,” said Norwood.
“I’m honored and just overwhelmed to still be here… 34-years-old and still be kind of a contributor to the national cause and back in the World Cup. It also looks good on the basketball resume I think,” he added.
Norwood said that his stints with previous national teams and being around guys like Asi Taulava, Jimmy Alapag, Marc Pingris, Ranidel de Ocampo, LA Tenorio and Jayson Castro has given him valuable lessons.
That he said he now shares with the younger teammates like Perez, Bollick, and even Kiefer Ravena.
“It’s wild, the role reversal. Now being the ‘kuya’ Gabe and kind of fill in their shoes… try to lead the best of my abilities in my own personal ways, still staying true to my self,” said Norwood.
“To have this youth movement coming in, it’s awesome to see. The talent level, the competitiveness, the confidence and all these guys show – not just the guys on this group, it’s exciting for the country,” he added. (Waylon Galvez)
