“He is the epitome of loyalty”: Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao pays tribute to Gabe Norwood

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

Norwood made his final PBA appearance on Monday, December 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters fell to the Meralco Bolts, 98–89, in a do-or-die contest for the final semifinal berth. While the result was not the ending Norwood had envisioned, it did little to diminish the magnitude of his legacy with the franchise.

The 40-year-old cornerstone of Rain or Shine 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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Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao admitted his disappointment that the team could not send Norwood off with a championship run, but he was unwavering in his praise for the veteran forward, describing him as the “epitome of loyalty and decency.”

“We are just kind of disappointed that we wanted to give Gabe a really good exit. Sayang. But nonetheless, we should still give recognition to what he has done for the franchise in the last 17 years,” Guiao said during the postgame press conference.

Gabe Norwood after playing his final PBA game with Rain or Shine’s quarterfinal exit last night @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/anOdGu6sx0

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“He is the epitome of loyalty and just decent and true to being a professional. Mandalas kong sabihin na wala kang mapipintas kay Gabe eh. Wala kang mapipintas kahit sa anong baga,” he added.

In recognition of Norwood’s lasting impact, Rain or Shine is understood to be planning the retirement of his iconic No. 5 jersey — an honor the veteran forward himself has expressed hope for.

“We actually propose to retire his number as a sign of recognition and respect for what he’s done. I think management will be very willing to do that,” Guiao continued.

Although Norwood is stepping away from active competition, his journey in basketball appears far from over. He has hinted at remaining involved in the sport in a coaching or management capacity, with Guiao revealing that Norwood has already been functioning as an assistant coach within the organization.

“We already assigned him as the assistant coach actually. If he wants to retain that position, I don’t think it’s going to be a problem with management. But it’s still unclear what he wants to do now. But he will be welcome to be part of the coaching staff. Nasa coaching na rin lang naman siya. I think that’s totally up to him if he wants to be part of the coaching staff,” Guiao concluded.

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

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