Gabe Norwood eager to show young Filipino players the ropes

MANILA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Gabe Norwood is one of the elder statesmen for the Philippines, but he continues to be a solid leadership presence for their national team.

Norwood first played for the Philippines in the FIBA Asia Cup 2007 in Tokushima, Japan under current national team head coach Chot Reyes. Back then, Norwood was a promising new face who would prove to be a high-flying asset. Now at 32 years old, his role has certainly morphed into something else entirely.

"Now I’ve taken on more of a leadership role," he said. "I think the coaches and team know what to expect of me on the court, but being able to share my knowledge with the young guys will hopefully benefit the program."

Norwood knows that there are rising stars aplenty in Philippine basketball ready and willing to one day take his spot on Gilas Pilipinas. Names like Kiefer Ravena, RR Pogoy, Kobe Paras and Matthew Wright are at the tip of any Filipino fan's tongue when talking about the next generation. This is not lost on Norwood, who believes that playing in the Asian Qualifiers offers him his last few chances to don the national colors.

"I really don't look past the current opportunity," he said. "In a country full of great basketball players, you can only concentrate on the now because there’s no guarantee you’ll get the chance again."

"I THINK THE COACHES AND TEAM KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT OF ME ON THE COURT, BUT BEING ABLE TO SHARE MY KNOWLEDGE WITH THE YOUNG GUYS WILL HOPEFULLY BENEFIT THE PROGRAM" NorwoodNorwood

Norwood doesn't single anyone out as a clear replacement for him on the team, especially with players bringing their own unique skill-sets, but he knows that the future of Gilas appears to be in good hands.

"Honestly, there are too many names to even mention," he said when asked about who could be his heir apparent. "The wings in the current pool all have the potential to be great defenders, and I think there are a handful of youth players here and abroad who could contribute in a similar capacity."

Now that he is on the homestretch of his tenure in the national team, Norwood looks back fondly at some of the best moments of his international career, which includes a trip to the last FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain four years ago.

"The game at home against Korea in 2013 and the whole World Cup 2014 experience will stay with me forever," he shared. "But to be honest, my best memories are probably in the training camps and off-the-court experiences with my teammates."

When the day comes for him to finally hang his sneakers, Norwood knows he will have left an indelible mark on Philippine basketball, especially as he is the only Filipino who has played in four of the last five FIBA Asia Cups. The enormity of his contribution to the Gilas program is not lost on Norwood, who feels nothing short of honored to continue serving his country.

"Man it's huge - knowing the pride and joy I bring to my family and the country is such an honor," he said. "Millions of our countrymen would love to be in a national player's shoes, but I’m blessed to represent them to the best of my ability. I would also love to have an impact on basketball in the Philippines after my playing days are over, but only time will tell."

FIBA