GABE Norwood entered his 16th season with Rain or Shine on Tuesday as the team played its debut game in the PBA Governors Cup.
It also marked the start of his new role with the franchise as playing-assistant coach.
The veteran guard saw action for just six minutes in the Elasto Painters’ 110-97 win over the Blackwater Bossing at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, as he spent most of the time pushing and encouraging the young team from the Rain or Shine bench.
Norwood admitted later on that taking on the new task is a way of him navigating on a possible coaching job in a few years’ time.
“You know just a little bit of an added responsibility and finding ways at how I can use my experience outside of just being a captain and just leading the guys, but trying to apply what I see on the court and try to help our team win in any way possible,” related Norwood.
He disclosed getting the idea of being an assistant-playing coach for Rain or Shine after good friend Chris Ross, who took on the same role with San Miguel last season.
And it so happened too, he was seeking a contract renewal with the franchise at the time the thought came about.
“I guessed it just came about the conversation itself. My contract was up and going into negotiations and it’s hard to deny that I’m towards the end of my career,” recalled the no.1 overall pick in the 2008 draft by the same team.
“But you know coach Yeng, Boss Raymund (Yu) and Boss Terry (Que), the management, all together saying, ‘were you’re ok with the idea?.’ I think Chris Ross started it last year, you have Reynel Hugnatan who has been doing a little bit as well (at Meralco).”
And so it came about Rain or Shine and Norwood agreed to have their long-time captain assumed a playing-assistant coach role as well.
“This is an opportunity that presented itself and I’m grateful that they allow me to do it,” he said.
The 39-year-old two-time champion couldn’t exactly say whether he’ll finally call it a career by season’s end.
“I don’t know. Not many guys played 15-16 years and I’ve been blessed to be with Rain or Shine my whole career and exactly where I want to be,” he said. “Perhaps taking it a year at a time and kind of see what happens after that.”
What’s definite though, is Norwood seeing himself having a coaching career once he’s through with playing.
“Possibly (full-time coach). I’ve given the game so much of my time over the years and it would be a shame not to do something with it afterwards, whether that’s coaching or grassroots, some way around the game I love to be involved,” he added.
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