DOHA (Qatar) - What a wild stretch it must have been for Gabe Norwood, mingling with the past, present, and future of basketball.

"I ALWAYS CHERISH THE OPPORTUNITIES TO REPRESENT GILAS... I JUST EXPRESS TO THEM TO PLAY AS HARD AS THEY CAN WHEN YOU GET THE CHANCE BECAUSE THERE'S NO GUARANTEE THAT YOU'LL GET IT AGAIN."

Just over a week ago, he was sitting courtside alongside the legendary likes of Carmelo Anthony, Pau Gasol, Luis Scola, and Sue Bird watching the Final of the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

A few days ago, Norwood accompanied another all-timer in Hamed Haddadi in carrying out the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Draw.

Shortly after that, Norwood went directly to the Al Rayyan Indoor Hall to watch the future of Asia Cup basketball - with a bit of a personal preference to see Batang Gilas beat Malaysia in their last Group Phase game.

It was quite an experience for the 38-year-old Philippines national team legend. As someone who has played in 40 Asia Cup games and averaged 5.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per contest, Norwood has seen and been through a lot with many people in the Philippines basketball circle. That includes the likes of the coach Louie Alas and Kevin Alas (who played with Norwood during the World Cup 2019 Qualifiers) - father and older brother, respectively, of U16 star Kiefer Alas.

Norwood (5) and Kevin Alas (6) played against Australia in World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers

As Norwood puts it:

"It's pretty wild."

"To see a lot of familiar last names representing the country from Alas to Banal and things like that, it's cool to see," he elaborates. "I had the pleasure of playing under coach Louie Alas in the amateur leagues and knowing Kiefer since he was probably 2-3 years old, it's awesome to see how he's progressed as a player as well as Noah Banal.

"I've been able to watch Noel progress from a distance, our kids were going to the same school for a while and I know the family. To see the growth of those players who take the game very seriously, love the game, and love representing the country as well, it's fun to see."

As a veteran, it's always fun to have a positive outlook on the future. Norwood is not only seeing it here in Qatar, but he also saw it in the past month at the World Cup.

"In regards to the youth of the Gilas program, not just the U16 but the youth that was on this world cup roster, you have Kai [Sotto]. You have AJ [Edu]. Dwight [Ramos] is still young. Rhenz [Abando] and a plethora of players. [Jamie] Malonzo is still young. You have a lot of guys that will be playing and representing the country for a long time.

"Then, you look down the line to the U16 and U18 teams and the talent is there. It’s exciting to see the progression of the game and the opportunities that our Filipino players are getting abroad, not just in Asia but also in USA, all over the place. It’s an exciting opportunity for all of these young men to represent the country and build the program."

For these youngsters at the U16 Asian Championship, in particular, Norwood had some advice. And when a legend that deservedly earned his moniker as "The President" speaks, it would be smart to listen.

After all, Norwood is among one of the youngest debutants ever for the Philippines in the Asia Cup, making his first appearance at 22 years old in 2007. He knows what it's like to represent the country at a young age.

"My biggest advice that I have for them is to cherish the moment," he says. "There are no guarantees. A lot can happen in this life - in this game of basketball - from 16 years old to being 38 like myself [and beyond].

"I always cherish the opportunities to represent Gilas, to represent the Philippines, and my family and I just express to them to play as hard as they can when you get the chance because there's no guarantee that you'll get it again."

While Norwood will always have pride in supporting the Philippines, he also emphasizes that advice is not only reserved for his young Batang Gilas brothers.

"I think that same advice would go across the board to any young player," said Norwood. "You've already reached a huge milestone at 16 years old in your basketball career to represent your country and represent your family. Cherish these opportunities.

"It's easy [for me] to say now at 38 to look back and say I wish I'd done that even more but I definitely feel that these young men are going to look back at the same time and really appreciate the opportunity, the lasting memories, of, not just on the court, but the team building and life lessons that you learn in the game of basketball at the international level."

FIBA