GABE Norwood is retiring with the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup being his last conference in the league.
The Elasto Painters posted a video clip of Norwood's announcement on their social media account.
"One last conference. One last ride. One last flight," said Norwood.
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The Philippine Cup will mark his 17th and final season in the PBA —all spent with just one team, Rain or Shine.
After his college stint with George Mason University, Norwood moved to the Philippines, where he played in the amateur ranks of the now-defunct Philippine Basketball League.
He was later selected first overall by the Elasto Painters in the 2008 PBA Draft, beginning a decorated career not only in the PBA but also with Gilas Pilipinas.
The 6-foot-6 forward was part of both of Rain or Shine’s championship teams — in the 2012 Governors’ Cup and the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup.
He was also a member of the Gilas Pilipinas squad that reached the finals of the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship in Manila after defeating Korea in the semifinals at the Mall of Asia Arena, and he later represented the country in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Now 40, Norwood has begun transitioning into coaching. Recently, he served as part of the Gilas Pilipinas Youth coaching staff for the SEABA U16 Championship and the FIBA U16 Asia Cup this year.
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