Rain or Shine retires Norwood's jersey number
MANILA, Philippines -- From here on out, there will be no more Rain or Shine Elasto Painter who will wear Gabe Norwood’s No. 5 jersey.
Norwood’s jersey is up in the rafters as Rain or Shine officially retired his number on Friday.
The first overall pick in the 2008 draft concluded his lengthy career in the previous PBA Philippine Cup, and during the Elasto Painters’ clash with the Converge FIberXers, his number was officially retired.
“I hope I brought joy and excitement to your lives when you were tuning in to watch, I pray that I carried myself in a way that was honorable to represent the country,” the veteran wing said.
“Just extremely grateful for the opportunity to come out and compete, to play against guys like Converge, to go out and play against the San Miguels, the TNTs that just come out and put on a show for the fans, for the crowd,” he added.
He spent all his professional basketball career with Rain or Shine, where he won two championships in 17 years.
He was a 2009 Rookie of the Year, and was named an all-star 11 times.
Throughout his career, he was known as an athletic, defensive-minded tall guard.
Aside from being a seven-time member of the PBA’s All-Defensive Team and a three-time Sportsmanship awardee, he was also a many-time member of Gilas Pilipinas.
In his speech, the 41-year-old thanked his coaches Caloy Garcia, Yeng Guiao, Chot Reyes, Tab Baldwin, Chris Gavina and all those who impacted his career.
“I pray that you all continue to support the PBA, continue to support Rain or Shine. If you don’t have a favorite team, you should have one now, these guys are playing great,” he said.
“I’m proud to leave with this team playing the way that they are. They are in good hands. Best of luck and God bless to everybody and thank you once again.”
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