Yeng Guiao hopes Gabe Norwood reconsiders looming retirement

‘He’s nonetheless a very essential a part of the workforce,’ says Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao as Gabe Norwood saves the day for the Elasto Painters of their PBA Season 50 opener

MANILA, Philippines – The way in which Gabe Norwood saved Rain or Shine from the jaws of defeat had head coach Yeng Guiao considering that the veteran ahead ought to rethink his looming retirement.

Norwood hit the game-tying shot with a second left in regulation, paving the best way for the Elasto Painters to hack out a 96-95 additional time win over Meralco of their PBA Philippine Cup opener on the Ynares Heart Montalban in Rizal on Saturday, October 12.

“Mr. President” was in the suitable place on the proper time as he tipped the ball in off an Adrian Nocum miss to tie the depend at 90-90 and pressure an additional interval, permitting Rain or Shine to finish its comeback from a 16-point deficit.

“He’ll in all probability change his thoughts, he’ll in all probability play one other convention. He can change his thoughts. Or one other yr, I don’t know,” stated Guiao “However Gabe’s enjoying nicely. He’s nonetheless a very essential a part of the workforce. And we couldn’t have received this recreation with out Gabe.”

One of many oldest gamers within the league at 40, Norwood introduced days earlier than the sport that the All-Filipino match might be his “final flight” as he attracts the curtains on his illustrious 17-year PBA profession, all spent with the Elasto Painters.

Drafted No. 1 total in 2008, Norwood is one in every of solely three energetic gamers from that class alongside teammate Beau Belga and TNT star Jayson Castro. He earned the moniker “Mr. President” not only for his comparable stature to former US president Barack Obama but additionally for his management.

Guiao stated Norwood had deliberate to retire on the finish of final season, which noticed Rain or Shine attain the semifinals in the entire three conferences, however opted to remain for one remaining run, maybe within the hopes of successful his third championship with the workforce.

A Philippine Cup crown is the one title lacking in Norwood’s assortment after serving to the Elasto Painters rule the 2012 Governors’ Cup and 2016 Commissioner’s Cup.

“We already knew forward of time. Truly, he wished to retire final convention. He simply postponed it for one convention. Perhaps it’s as a result of it’s the fiftieth anniversary or possibly as a result of he’s hoping possibly we are able to compete all the best way on this convention,” stated Guiao.

Towards the Bolts, Norwood nonetheless proved to be serviceable.

He completed as one in every of 5 Elasto Painters in double-figure scoring with 11 factors and added 3 rebounds and 1 steal in 28:50 minutes of motion.

“I hope he modifies his thoughts, however we’ll respect his resolution. He informed us a very long time in the past that he desires to retire. However I believe it’s simply additionally the closeness with the fellows that he actually doesn’t need to disappoint his teammates that he’s going out and he’s not capable of assist them and play his function,” stated Guiao.

Norwood already had a change of coronary heart as soon as, who is aware of if there can be one other one. – Rappler.com