Fil-Am mulls playing for RP five

George Mason University’s 6-5 Fil-Am guard Gabe Norwood said the other day he’s open to the possibility of suiting up for the Philippine team in the 2008 Beijing Olympics but will still consult with agent Jim Moughton of Miami on his basketball future as his ultimate goal is playing in the NBA.

Norwood, 22, was recently invited by coach Chot Reyes to join the national squad at the Joe Abunassar impact training camp in Carson City and fit in nicely as the Philippines downed a US selection, 98-74, at the Home Depot Center. He compiled eight points and six assists.

Norwood played only a game and stayed four days at the camp before flying back to Virginia to complete his requirements for graduation.

"I enjoyed the experience of being with coach Chot and the guys," said Norwood in The STAR interview. "I learned a lot in such a short time. My roommate was Asi (Taulava) who’s a bit undersized for a big man but he works hard, is an inside presence and holds his own against bigger guys off the glass. And he can run, too."

Norwood said from what he saw in Carson City, the Philippines can give Yao Ming and company a good fight in the FIBA-Asia Olympic qualifiers.

"The team has good balance," said Norwood. "The guys are the best in the PBA. They’re competitive. They play at a high level. They work hard and play a fast pace. I like Jimmy’s (Alapag) leadership. I didn’t get to play with Dondon (Hontiveros) who was injured during the game but I know he’s a great player, too. The team lacks a bit of size but it has speed, shooting ability and great athleticism."

Norwood is the oldest of five children. His father Brian was a defensive back for the University of Hawaii varsity and a former Calgary Stampeder in the Canadian Football League. His grandmother Frances Viloria traces her roots to Camiling, Tarlac.

A news report from Hawaii said Norwood’s mother Tiffiney Hardy is a fifth-generation Hawaiian whose ancestors migrated to Maui from the Philippines.

Last year, Norwood visited the Philippines for the first time with the Athletes In Action team that played eight games, seven against college varsities and one against an undermanned national quintet.

"It was like a sentimental homecoming for me because I’d never been home," said Norwood. "The PBA playoffs were going on so the national team we played against wasn’t complete."

Norwood said he’s comfortable playing any of three positions on the floor – point guard, off guard and small forward. "I can play whatever coach Chot wants me to," he continued. "I’ll fill in the spot where I can contribute the most."

Playing in the Olympics would be a milestone in his career. "Of course, my dream is to play in the NBA like everybody else," he said. "But playing in the Olympics would be a big accomplishment. It would rank up there with leading my high school team to the state title and playing for George Mason in the NCAA Final Four."

In 2005-06, George Mason went all the way to the Final Four and lost to eventual NCAA champion Florida. This past season, the Patriots posted an 18-15 record. Norwood’s farewell varsity game was a 10-point, 25-minute off-the-bench effort in a 65-59 loss to Virginia Commonwealth last March. He received the Dean Ehlers leadership award as a senior for integrity and sportsmanship in academics and sports. Norwood was cited by college basketball writer Michael Litos for his hustle and athleticism as a "vital part of coach Jim Larranaga’s scramble defense."

Next month, Norwood will play for Athletes In Action in the Czech Republic. In case he’s not picked in the NBA draft, Norwood said he’ll explore other options like showing up in free agent camps, playing for the Philippine team and applying for the PBA draft in August.