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PBA: Gabe Norwood’s current, former teammates pay tribute as Rain or Shine veteran retires
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Gabe Norwood, regarded by his teammates as a leader and role model, played his final PBA game last Monday as Rain or Shine bowed out of the Philippine Cup following two losses to Meralco in the quarterfinals.
The Bolts erased the Elasto Painters’ twice-to-beat advantage to eliminate the No. 2 seed of the conference, bringing an end to Norwood’s PBA career last December 29.
Long-time teammate Beau Belga said it was an honor to share the court with Norwood.
“It was such an honor being your teammate for 15 years. 2 championships, some of finals and semis appearance and lots of memories on & off the court with you,” Belga wrote in a social media post.
“Just like what coach said, nobody hates you because you are so nice on and off the court. Enjoy retirement and more family time now. See you around brother.”
Former teammate Chris Tiu also congratulated Norwood on his retirement and recalled how he first met the former Gilas Pilipinas captain.
“I remember we first met sometime in 2006 or 07 when I was still in Ateneo and you were playing for Athletes in Action in a tune up game vs our team. We then first became teammates in the 2007 SEA Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, where I was eventually put on reserve and the team won the gold. Who would have thought we’d be teammates for my entire 6 years in the PBA and in the 2018 Asian Games again,” he said.
“Your professionalism, loyalty, and gratitude are certainly traits athletes (and non-athletes) young and old can learn from. Hats off Mr President,” Tiu wrote.
Current Rain or Shine team captain Gian Mamuyac, meanwhile, said he chose the right person to look up to.
“From wanting to be like you — to having the honor of calling you my teammate. Thank you for setting the standard and showing us what it truly means to be a professional. I definitely chose the right person to look up to,” he wrote.
Here are some other tributes from Norwood’s teammates:
Andrei Caracut
“Started as a kid watching you, ended as a teammate beside you. Forever grateful.”
Adrian Nocum
“On and off the court wala kang masasabi, sobrang nakaka-inspire na tao. Sa dalawang taon na ka-teammate ka, madami akong natutunan, maraming salamat Kuya Gabe!”
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
