“I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without him”: Chris Newsome pays tribute to Gabe Norwood

Veteran forward Gabe Norwood has officially announced his retirement from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), bringing an end to a distinguished 17-year career at the conclusion of the ongoing 2025 Philippine Cup.

Norwood played his final PBA game on Monday, December 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where Rain or Shine bowed to the Meralco Bolts, 98–89, in a do-or-die matchup for the final semifinal berth. While the loss was not the ending he had hoped for, it did little to diminish the legacy Norwood leaves behind.

The 40-year-old Rain or Shine cornerstone was honored with a standing ovation from the Araneta crowd, a fitting sendoff for a player long admired for his consistency, defensive excellence, and quiet leadership throughout nearly two decades in the league.

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Following the game, Meralco and Gilas Pilipinas standout Chris Newsome paid tribute to Norwood, revealing how closely he was compared to the veteran forward early in his career—and how profoundly Norwood influenced both his professional journey and personal growth.

“Gabe is actually a really influential person in my life and in my career. When I first got here, a lot of people already compared my game and my personality to Gabe Norwood. He was the one person they said I reminded them of, and I really took that to heart,” Newsome said after the game.

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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“Over the years, I got to know Gabe both on and off the court, and he’s as professional as they come. That’s what I want to be known as – a true professional, someone who shows up to work on time, has a good attitude, and genuinely cares about people they work with. That’s something he brought everywhere he went,” he added.

Beyond his PBA accomplishments, Norwood also enjoyed a significant international career with Gilas Pilipinas, earning 64 FIBA caps, excluding his appearances in the Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games.

“When you talk about his Gilas stint, he was able to impact the entire Gilas team, influence everyone, and lead by example. Those are characteristics you really have to give him credit for. He is a true leader, and that’s something I can only aspire to be. I hope I can reach the level of achievements he’s had in his career. I know he’s going to be okay with whatever comes next for him – he’s going to do great.

“I just told Gabe that I wanted him to know personally how much he influenced my life and my career. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without him, because he’s shown me so much and taught me a lot,” Newsome concluded.

Norwood’s résumé stands among the most impressive in PBA history. He won 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 named to 11 PBA All-Star teams. Widely regarded as one of the league’s premier defenders, Norwood also built a reputation as one of its most respected locker-room leaders.

As Gabe Norwood steps away from the game, he leaves behind a legacy defined not only by championships and accolades, but by integrity, humility, and unwavering professionalism—qualities that will continue to resonate within Philippine basketball and inspire future generations.

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