Rain or Shine's Gabe Norwood in action. PBA Images/file
MANILA — Rain or Shine's Gabe Norwood will be retiring after the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
The two-time PBA Champion and 11-time All-Star made the announcement through the team's Instagram Reel.
In the same Reel, he also reflected on how basketball impacted his whole life. Norwood, now 40 years old, was drafted by the team in 2008 and has played all of his seasons with the Elasto Painters.
“Basketball has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember — from playing Division 1 basketball in George Mason University to proudly wearing the Pilipinas jersey with Gilas, and to finding a home with Rain or Shine in the PBA,” said Norwood.
“The journey has been nothing short of incredible. I poured everything I have into this game, and in return, it has given me more than I could ever ask for,” he added.
“I've poured everything I have into this game, and in return, it has given me more than I could ever ask for -- the unforgettable moments on the court, the battles won and lost, the lifelong friendships, the love of the fans, and above all, a family,” he went on.
“That’s why today, I wanna share with you all, that this upcoming Philippine Cup will be my last. One last conference, one last run, one last flight.”
Norwood also stepped in as an assistant coach for ROS just last year.
He was also a former PBA Defensive Player of the Year and seven-time All-Defensive Team member, Rookie of the Year, and a Slam Dunk Champion.
With Gilas, he was a two-time silver medalist in the FIBA Asia Championship and a gold medalist at the Southeast Asian Games.