Norwood, possibly best Painter of all time, gets due accolade
Gabe Norwood is officially a Rain or Shine legend.
Before the Elasto Painters’ match with Converge in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Mall of Asia Arena, the team officially raised Norwood’s No. 5 jersey to the rafters on Friday to celebrate his career.
As thankful as he was, though, the high-flying, defensive-minded guard gave credit where credit is due, saying the historic jersey retirement wasn’t made by just him alone..
“It’s more than basketball,” Norwood told the Inquirer. “This isn’t just for myself, it’s also for Sol (Mercado), TY (Tang) and our draft class. We kind of changed the image of the team and added a different flare to the league where it’s really hard to win.
“To leave that legacy of changing the culture of the team and putting them in the situation they’re in now is something I hope to see consistently in the future.”
As the first overall pick of Rain or Shine in 2008, Norwood immediately changed the landscape of the league.
Formerly known as Welcoat, Rain or Shine was the proverbial league whipping boy for several years before Norwood came.
The value of the former Gilas Pilipinas stalwart couldn’t have been more pronounced in the two championships that Rain or Shine has so far won, the 2012 Governors’ Cup and the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup.
Looking back, Norwood was chuffed about his contributions to his mother team in particular and to the PBA in general.
“It’s still kind of wild, I don’t know what to expect but it’s great to have the family here,” he said, pointing to his kids who were wearing his iconic jersey.
“[There’s] a lot of emotions going on, seeing the finality of my decision to call it a career but overall, I’m truly humbled and honored to have my jersey retired.”
