Veteran Fil-Am shoting guard, forward Gabe Norwood officially ended his Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) career after Rain or Shine fell to Meralco, 98-89, in their do-or-die game for the semifinals in Season 50 of the Philippine Cup.
The 40-year-old announced back in October that Season 50 would mark the conclusion of his playing career. Norwood was the No. 1 overall pick of the Elasto Painters in the 2008 PBA Draft, coming from George Mason University.
In his final game, Norwood retired his jersey following Rain or Shine’s campaign-ending loss to the Meralco Bolts. Despite the defeat, he praised Meralco for their performance throughout the series.
Norwood is among the few players in PBA history to start and finish their career with the same team. Over 17 seasons with Rain or Shine, he helped lead the franchise to two titles—the 2012 Governors’ Cup and the 2016 Commissioners’ Cup.
Individually, Norwood was named Rookie of the Year in 2009, earned multiple selections to the All-Defensive Team, and was an 11-time PBA All-Star, including being named All-Star MVP in 2010.
In his farewell message, Norwood expressed gratitude to Rain or Shine for treating him as part of the family and providing a home for his entire career.
Meanwhile, his wife, Lei Norwood, took to social media to honor him and everyone who was part of his basketball journey.
“This chapter ends bittersweetly, but my pride in you is beyond words. Thank you for setting the gold standard, modeling for our boys what it means to be a man of character, professionalism, and servant leadership—an example that will echo far beyond our family and into the generations who witnessed it,” she wrote.
Following Norwood’s retirement, Rain or Shine will now lean more on their young core, led by Adrian Nocum, Gian Mamuyac, Santi Santillan, and Jonard Clarito.
