The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters retire Gabe Norwood jersey. Paige Javier, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — Gabe Norwood is happy to see the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters achieve their best start in franchise history in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup.
Rain or Shine remains the only undefeated team in the mid-season conference after holding off the Converge FiberXers, 120-111, on Friday.
The Elasto Painters won their sixth straight game on the same night the franchise retired Norwood's jersey at the Mall of Asia Arena.
For the two-time PBA champion, there's no better feeling than seeing his former team succeed and continue his legacy. Norwood said it was special witnessing the team win the same night he was honored.
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"If you don't have a favorite team, you should have one now. These guys are playing great," he said during his speech at the jersey retirement ceremony.
"I'm proud to leave with this team playing the way that they are. They're in good hands. Boss, you have a great team and good coaches as well," the former Rain or Shine star said.
The PBA veteran is optimistic about the team's chances given their current performance.
"In terms of like the speed, the pace, the depth of the team... it could be anybody's night. You never know. It's exciting to see them play for one another and play good basketball," he said.
Norwood is known for his leadership, selflessness, and sportsmanship — something he believes has been instilled in the current Elasto Painters squad.
"I believe the foundation is set. We have great leaders there now; we have Beau [Belga], we have Mamu [Gian Mamuyac]. You know, we just have guys stepping up in their careers. I'm excited for them," he shared.
Norwood likewise thanked everyone who made the jersey retirement possible and all those who supported him during his 17 years in the league.
"I hope I brought joy and excitement to your lives when you tune in to watch. I pray I carried myself in a way that was honorable to represent the country," he said.
"Just extremely grateful to compete, to play against guys like Converge, go out and play against San Miguel, TNT... to go out and just put on a show for the crowd," Norwood added.
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The 40-year-old Norwood said he wants to leave a legacy of being a better man than a successful basketball player.