SIX years after his last game in a Gilas Pilipinas jersey, Gabe Norwood felt the familiar rush again as the national team faced New Zealand in the second window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Only this time, he wasn’t in uniform.
Instead, Norwood was courtside the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ coverage team, microphone in hand instead of a ball.
READ: Strong, disciplined New Zealand survives last-gasp Gilas comeback
The adrenaline? Still the same.
“My watch was showing that my blood pressure was kind of high. It was the same kind of high being a player,” he told SPIN.ph with a smile.
For Norwood, it was a full-circle moment. The former Gilas stalwart earned a journalism degree from George Mason University in the United States, a path that once felt distant during his playing days.
“Younger Gabe would’ve never known that he’s going to be applying his degree in some capacity,” he said. “It’s a blessing to be able to continue with this program, share stories, and be a storyteller as well. I’m excited to be able to use it.”
Having lived life on both sides, Norwood couldn’t help but empathize with the players, especially after a tough loss.
He caught Calvin Oftana and Dwight Ramos for postgame interviews.
“I definitely feel for the guys. They put in a great effort. They gave everything,” he said.
“Their mindset now should be Sunday, try to forget about this and immediately get back to work. That’s how it is.”
Norwood last suited up for Gilas in the 2019 World Cup.
Now, even from the opposite side of the mic, the connection remains just as strong.
“So far, the best part about it is still being around the game, having the best seats, getting to watch everything, and just watching the players grow and progress. Like CJ [Perez]—CJ was young when I last played for Gilas,” he said.
Different role. Same heartbeat.
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