PBA: Gabe Norwood’s final buzzer comes as Rain or Shine campaign ends in QF

The final buzzer sounded for Rain or Shine against Meralco and with it came a bittersweet farewell for Gabe Norwood, who played his last PBA game.

The 40-year-old forward first revealed in October that the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup would be his “one last flight” with Rain or Shine, the franchise that made him the No. 1 overall pick in 2008. 

And on Monday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Norwood formally called it quits, hanging up his jersey as the Elasto Painters absorbed a 98-89 loss in the do-or-die quarterfinal duel against the Bolts. 

"I wasn't planning on doing this. I was hoping it was after a championship, but hats off to Meralco first and foremost," Norwood said. 

"They played a great series and it's proven that they're one of the tough teams in the league so kudos to them."

Norwood is among the few players to start and end his career with one team, closing out a colorful 17-year stint with the Elasto Painters he once helped to two PBA titles. 

With Rain or Shine, Norwood was able to win a pair of rings in the 2012 Governors' Cup and 2016 Commissioner's Cup.

In 2009, he was named Rookie of the Year while also being included in the All-Defensive Team seven times in his illustrious career. 

Norwood is also an 11-time All-Star member and was even named the 2010 All-Star MVP. 

"For me, personally, just thank you to Rain or Shine. I played for one organization my whole career. I only call one place home, they're special to me," Norwood added.

"They took me in as a son back in 2008 and it has been a family the whole way through. It's a special situation, it's not transactional, it's not you just signed on the dotted line and it's over. It's a family in Rain or Shine."

With Norwood's retirement, Rain or Shine now leans on a youthful core led by Adrian Nocum, Gian Mamuyac, Santi Santillan, and Jhonard Clarito. 

—JMB, GMA Integrated News