Gabe Norwood’s 17-year PBA career comes to an end following Rain or Shine’s Philippine Cup exit

Veteran forward Gabe Norwood has officially announced his retirement from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) at the conclusion of the ongoing 2025 Philippine Cup, drawing the curtain on a distinguished 17-year career defined by excellence, leadership, and unwavering professionalism.

Norwood’s final PBA appearance came on Monday, December 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where Rain or Shine Elasto Painters bowed to the Meralco Bolts, 98–89, in a do-or-die contest for the last semifinal berth of the Philippine Cup. While the result was not the ending Norwood had envisioned, it did little to overshadow the magnitude of his legacy.

The 40-year-old cornerstone of the Rain or Shine franchise was met with a standing ovation and warm applause from the Araneta crowd, a fitting tribute to a player widely respected for his consistency, toughness, and quiet leadership throughout nearly two decades in the league.

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“I wasn’t planning on doing this, I was hoping it’s after a championship. But hats off to Meralco, first and foremost. They played a great series, they have proven that they are one of the top teams in the league. Kudos to them,” Norwood said after the game.

LEGENDARY WORDS ☝🏽

Rain or Shine icon Gabe Norwood delivers an emotional farewell speech in his final PBA game, sharing reflections and gratitude after a career defined by grit, leadership, and unforgettable moments in the Philippine Basketball Association.#PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/Jj7bAvRu31

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) December 29, 2025

He went on to reflect on his long-standing relationship with the Elasto Painters, the only team he ever suited up for in his professional career — a rarity in the modern era of basketball.

“Man, but for me personally, I just want to thank Rain or Shine, played for one organization my whole career, only called one place home. It’s special to me. They took me in as a son back in 2008 and its been family the whole way through,” he added.

Norwood’s résumé is among the most impressive in PBA history. He captured two championships with Rain or Shine, earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2009, claimed the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2010, received three PBA Sportsmanship Awards, and was selected to 11 PBA All-Star teams. Beyond the accolades, Norwood built a reputation as one of the league’s premier defenders and most respected locker-room leaders.

While he is stepping away from active competition, Norwood made it clear that his relationship with the game is far from over. He hinted at the possibility of remaining involved in basketball in a coaching or management role, while prioritizing personal and family matters in the immediate future.

“I’m just focusing on the now,” he shared. “There are family matters I want to take care of and prepare for. I’d love to stay around the game — in basketball — in any way I can. But first, I’ll make the most of the playing time I have left.”

As Gabe Norwood bids farewell to the hardwood, he leaves behind a legacy built not just on championships and awards, but on integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment — qualities that will continue to resonate within Philippine basketball and inspire generations of players to come.

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