GABE Norwood finally played his final game in the PBA on Monday after Rain or Shine was shown the door by Meralco, 98-89, in their do-or-die game for the last semifinals berth in the Philippine Cup.
It wasn’t the fitting sendoff for the 40-year-old veteran guard, whose 16-year pro career came to an abrupt end after the second seeded Elasto Painters failed to take advantage of the twice-to-beat bonus they enjoyed in the quarterfinals against the no. 7 seed Bolts.
READ: Meralco completes QFs upset of Rain or Shine to book semis seat
Nonetheless, a standing ovation and a warm applause were given to the Fil-Am guard, who played his entire career with the Rain or Shine franchise as the team’s no. 1 overall pick in the 2008 draft out of George Mason University.
"I wasn’t planning on doing this, I was hoping it’s after a championship. But hats off to Meralco, first and foremost. They played a great series, they’ve proven that they’re one of the top teams in the league. Kudos to them," said Norwood
"Man, but for me personally, I just want to thank Rain or Shine, played for one orgaization my whole career, only called one place home," added the Rain or Shine guard as he tried to hold back his emotions.
"It's’ special to me. They took me in as a son back in 2008 and its been family the whole way through."
He later threw a number of signed basketball to the crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum as his way of thanking the fans who supported him throughout the years, and then briefly went over to his family and hugged his wife and children before making his way to the Rain or Shine dugout.
Norwood played as part of Yeng Guiao’s starters in his final PBA game and finished with three points, two rebounds, and three steals in almost 22 minutes of play.
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