NO more change of the heart and mind for Gabe Norwood.
The veteran Rain or Shine forward said there's no more turning back for him, as he looks forward to retirement by the end of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Norwood made that much clear, as his longtime mentor Yeng Guiao was keeping his fingers crossed the Fil-Am will still reconsider his decision.
“I'm pretty firm on it, but I'll just try to enjoy it while I can,” said the proud product of George Mason University.
Norwood, though, affirmed what Guiao disclosed that the latter was actually supposed to retire at the end of Season 49.
He didn't, however, and decided to take one final shot at glory.
Norwood owns two championships, but none coming from the Philippine Cup.
“Another chance at the All-Filipino,” he said of his decision.
“Just wanted to try and get one more for the organization, for coach Yeng his first All-Filipino, and for myself as well. We'll see. We'll see what happens,” added the 40-year-old.
Norwood as sturdy as ever
But as he ponders his final PBA journey, Norwood can’t help but be a bit emotional.
“Yeah, I mean it's gonna be emotional for a while, man. The PBA has given me a lot. I grew up here. I came out 21, 22 years old, and I'm 40 now, lived most of my adult life here in the PBA,” he pointed out.
“I'm gonna cherish every game and try to leave on a high note.”
He did just that after his putback in the Elasto Painters' opening game against Meralco sent the match into overtime, before RoS claimed the 96-95 victory.
“That was fun,” he said of his last season-opener.
“Got a couple more, see if we can keep as exciting as possible, but this was an awesome game. I'm not gonna get emotional now, I want to leave that for later. But a good first win for us.”
Norwood and the Elasto Painters return to action on Sunday when they tangle with winless defending champion San Miguel.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
