GABE Norwood knows coach Yeng Guiao's system so well that he could pinpoint where the players should be on a specific play.
That's why he had every right to chide Asi Taulava when the eldest member of the Philippine men's national team pool misread one play and went for a screen rather than the supposed hand-off.
"I'm just messing with Asi," he said, laughing off the exchange on Thursday.
Norwood, who has played under Guiao for six seasons before the veteran coach's move to NLEX last season, has embraced his role as the team's sage as most of the players in this squad defer to him when it comes to executing the plays.
After all, he can call himself a two-time champion because of this same system.
"I guess this is how Joe (Devance) feels in Ginebra cause he's been around coach Tim (Cone) for so long," he said.
So what's the key to playing in Guiao's system?
"With coach Yeng's system, it's just trying to be smart as you can and listen to instructions. I've been with coach Yeng for six years and even before, with coach Chot with the dribble-drive for so long that all of it kinda helps. So I just try to give it as much as I can, with my experience to actually be of help on the court."
Norwood is thrilled to see the enthusiasm of the team's newcomers, who haven't shied away from showing what they're capable of in the practice sessions.
"It's really cool to see. I say it every time, every scenario is different whether you have similar faces or new faces," he said, making special mention of Scottie Thompson, Ian Sangalang, and Alex Cabagnot.
"Everybody brings something different to the table. Scottie's energy running around, Ian's learning on the fly, Alex is a veteran who is finally getting his chance. There's so many storylines, but it's good to see everybody here focused on getting better and getting ready for our games."
However, if there's one thing Norwood can tell to these players who are new to Guiao's system, it's that their faith in the system goes a long way.
"Trust it. That's the biggest thing," he said. "Everyone's worried at being yelled at and things like that, but at the end of the day, you get yelled at if you don't follow the rules, follow instructions, and follow the gameplan.
"Trust the gameplan, play confidently, and shoot the ball. Don't hesitate with your shot and shoot the ball. Be aggressive, be confident, and we'll be fine."
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