Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood and Meralco’s Chris Newsome in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup quarterfinals. Photo from PBA Images.
MANILA — Gabe Norwood may not have had the ending he wanted to his PBA playing career, but that does not diminish the impact and influence he built over nearly two decades, according to Chris Newsome.
“Sorry it had to come from us, but we’ll talk about this someday,” said the Meralco Bolts star after they eliminated Norwood and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 98–89, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals last Monday.
Newsome was solid once more for Meralco, pouring in 29 points to go with five assists and three rebounds. For the Ateneo de Manila University product, however, the performance was also a reflection of the lessons he picked up from Norwood through the years.
“He’s an influential person in my life and in my career,” said Newsome, who moved to the Philippines in the early 2010s before finishing his collegiate career with the Blue Eagles in the UAAP.
“When I got here, a lot of people compared my game and my personality to Gabe Norwood,” Newsome added of the 17-year pro, who finished his final PBA game with three points, three steals, two rebounds, and an assist.
Both tall guards known for their leadership, playmaking, defense, midrange shooting, and steadiness, Newsome shared how he picked Norwood’s brain as their relationship grew after he entered the PBA.
“I took that to heart, and over the years, I got to know Gabe both on and off the court,” he said. “He’s as professional as they come, and that’s what I want to be known as: a true professional with a good attitude, because he brought that everywhere he went.”
Newsome eventually suited up for Gilas Pilipinas, much like Norwood, and he credited the Rain or Shine lifer for helping establish a culture within the national team.
“He was able to impact and influence a whole Gilas team,” Newsome said. “That’s something you really have to give him credit for. He is a true leader, and that’s something I hope I can be.”
As Norwood enters the next chapter of his life, Newsome is confident the 40-year-old will continue to embody the loyalty, pride, and professionalism that defined his career since being drafted first overall in 2008.
“I know he’s going to be great in whatever comes next for him,” Newsome said.