When basketball players earn the rare honor of a jersey retirement, tributes about them often revolve around their on-court exploits. It was not the case for Gabe Norwood, whose jersey No. 5 was retired by Rain or Shine, the franchise he spent his entire 16-season PBA career with. Although he made his mark as one of the finest defensive players in PBA history and one of Gilas Pilipinas’ most important figures ever, those who know Norwood best commend him for his upstanding character and affable personality.

“It’s only appropriate to give him recognition and honor, not just because he’s a great player, but because he’s a great human being,” said Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao of Norwood. “He’s the best example of how a PBA player should be. It’s a gift that I’ve been able to be a part of Gabe’s career.” Rain or Shine deputy Caloy Garcia, who served as Norwood’s first coach in the PBA, shared Guiao’s sentiments.

“He’s the typical player that any coach would want. He’s coachable. Off the court, he’s a family guy. It’s a coach’s dream to have a Gabe Norwood,” said Garcia.

For Norwood, that has always been the dream — to be remembered beyond his basketball feats, which include a Rookie of the Year award, seven All-Defensive Team selections, two silver medals in the FIBA Asia Championship, and two appearances in the FIBA World Cup. “Better man than player,” said the 41-year-old when asked about what he aspires his legacy to be. “I want the Norwood name to be [seen in] a positive light.

I think that was kind of my goal.” “My college coach always said, ‘Begin with the end in mind.’ So, have a plan and see it through. I tried to do that the best that I could.” A member of the icon George Mason University squad that enjoyed a Cinderella run to the Final Four of the US NCAA in 2006, Norwood first burst onto the local scene in 2007 as he represented the Philippines in the William Jones Cup, FIBA Asia Championship, and Southeast Asian Games. Then, a year later, he was picked first overall in the PBA Draft — topping a stacked class that also featured the likes of Jayson Castro, Beau Belga, Jeff Chan, Jared Dillinger, and Sol Mercado.

Rain or Shine had never made the playoffs before Norwood joined the team, but his arrival marked a new era for the franchise. After reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in Norwood’s maiden conference in the PBA, the 2008-09 Philippine Cup, the Elasto Painters developed into a consistent playoff force in the following seasons. They were booted out of the semifinals three times before they scored their breakthrough championship in the 2012 Governors’ Cup, where they outlasted the B-Meg Llamados in a best-of-seven finals that went the distance.

Norwood and Rain or Shine won their second and last championship in the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup. “Rain or Shine’s history would be like the Norwood era and the post-Norwood era,” said Guiao. “He’s a marker in the story of the Rain or Shine franchise.” While Norwood could have attained better success with other powerhouse squads, he chose to stay where he felt at home.

Norwood ended his career as one of only a handful of players who spent at least 15 seasons with a single PBA team — a club that counts Barangay Ginebra’s Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand, Magnolia’s Alvin Patrimonio and PJ Simon, and TNT’s Castro and Harvey Carey among its members. In turn, the Elasto Painters rewarded him by making him the first player whose jersey was retired by the franchise. “Rain or Shine never gave me a reason to want to leave.

I like being the underdog. It’s been the story of my life,” said Norwood. “I moved around a lot as a kid, so when I found some place that I felt welcomed, I cherished it.

Rain or Shine treated me like a son.” While his professional career is now over, Norwood still keeps tabs with Rain or Shine as he regularly visits the Elasto Painters in practice. He is also putting his Communications degree to good use, serving as a special correspondent for the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to chronicle Gilas Pilipinas’ road to the 2027 FIBA World Cup and joining the PBA broadcast panel as a commentator. “Just trying to stay around the game, educate myself as well.

The game looks different when you’re not playing,” said Norwood. “[I’m trying to] see where I can fit in the future.” – Rappler.com