MANILA, Philippines – After only three games, the whole basketball world already saw what the Philippine national basketball team can offer.
Many were impressed with the fighting hearts of Gilas Pilipinas players, who despite being undersized pushed opponents to their limits.
Along the way, high-leaping Gilas swingman Gabe Norwood was among those who stood out for the Filipinos.
Norwood claimed international fame after his two emphatic dunks over NBA veteran Luis Scola and Marcos Mata during the Philippines' heartbreaking 81-85 loss against Argentina early Tuesday.
The first highlight play came in the opening quarter where after a defensive stop, Norwood received a beautiful dish from Jayson Castro then threw it down over Scola's outstretched arms.
Norwood's first dunk was so explosive that it attracted the attention of the National Basketball Association's official Twitter account.
Best SLAM of the @FIBA Basketball World Cup so far? https://t.co/TWzRzQyjw1
— NBA (@NBA) September 2, 2014 But the Rain or Shine forward wasn't done yet, slamming it home once again in the third frame after a great fake pass that led to an opening in the Argentinean defense.
Argentina's Marcos Mata thought he could stop Norwood and challenged the latter's left-handed slam. But he was wrong.
Those two dunks appeared to be Norwood's way of handing out his business card to NBA scouts who are also currently in Spain.
(Videos courtesy of FIBA.com)