Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao had nothing but praise for Gabe Norwood, who retired at the end of Rain or Shine’s PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup campaign.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao did not hide his disappointment after failing to give Gabe Norwood a winning sendoff.
Norwood retired after the No. 2 and twice-to-beat-armed Elasto Painters got the boot following a 98-89 loss to Meralco in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup quarterfinals last Dec. 29.
“We accept that things like this can happen. We’re just kind of disappointed because we wanted to give Gabe a really good exit. Sayang,” said Guiao after the match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
But the end — whether triumphant or heartbreaking — is part of everyone’s basketball journey.
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As Norwood bid goodbye to a legendary career, highlighted by two championships in six Finals appearances, Guiao rained praise on the Rain or Shine lifer.
“But, nonetheless, I think we still should have to give recognition to what he’s done for the franchise in the last 17 years,” the outspoken mentor said of the 2008 top pick.
“[He is] the epitome of loyalty, decency and being true to being a professional. Madalas kong sabihing wala kang maipipintas kay Gabe,” he added.
[RELATED STORY: Gabe Norwood reflects on PBA career, all with Rain or Shine: 'It’s special to me']
To give Norwood the ultimate form of recognition, Guiao said they are proposing to retire his jersey No. 5.
“We actually proposed to retire his number as sign of recognition and respect for what he’s done. I think, the management will be very willing to do that,” he said.
(With reports from Gillian Trinidad/One Sports Digital)
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.