Guiao Sees Vital Role for Norwood, Hopes Retirement Is Reconsidered
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao walked away from the Ynares Center with a mix of relief and possibility after a dramatic 96-95 overtime win over Meralco in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Saturday, Oct. 11. The game underscored why Guiao is not ready to write the veteran guard Gabe Norwood off just yet. Norwood, who announced his impending retirement at the end of the conference, played a pivotal role down the stretch and finished with 11 points, three rebounds and a steal, reminding his coach of his continuing value to the Elasto Painters.
Late Heroics and the Weight of Experience
The sequence is one that will be replayed in Guiao’s memory: a point-blank shot by Adrian Nocum rimmed out, and Norwood swooped in to tip the ball back in, sending the game into overtime. It was a small moment in a long career, but to Guiao it was a clear sign that Norwood remains a catalyst for Rain or Shine. “Gabe played a really good game today, on both offense and defense. He put in those crucial two points to tie,” Guiao said after the game, at a press conference that followed the nail-biting finish.
Norwood’s numbers in the win may not scream “season-defining” to casual observers, but Guiao highlighted the intangibles. In the margins—defensive rotations, timely cuts, and leadership—Norwood’s experience continues to matter. “We could not have won this game without Gabe,” Guiao added, hinting at a possible change of heart from the veteran who has been a fixture for Rain or Shine for years.
Could Retirement Take a Back Seat?
The idea of Norwood stepping away from professional basketball has been a talking point for months. His manager and the team have been careful to respect his decision while nonetheless acknowledging the value of his presence on the floor. Guiao’s sentiment was candid: a possible reversal of course could be in the cards if Norwood finds that spark and form he has shown throughout his career. “I’m not sure. He’ll probably change his mind; he’ll probably play another conference. Puwede namang magpalit ng isip, eh,” Guiao said with his trademark smile, a nod to the uncertainty that comes with retirement talks.
“Gabe’s playing well. He’s still a really important part of the team. We could not have won this game without Gabe,” Guiao stressed, leaving the door ajar for a potential return next season or beyond. The veteran guard’s value is not only measured by points, but by the experience and steadying influence he brings in pressure moments—a quality Guiao clearly cherishes as his team chases stability in a competitive season.
Tiongson, the Unexpected Spark in OT
While Norwood was the catalyst in the final play of regulation, it was Caelan Tiongson who captured the spotlight in a different way. He erupted for a game-high 23 points and added 10 rebounds, plus an assist and a steal, including a longe-range prayer at the end of the fourth quarter that kept Rain or Shine within striking distance. Tiongson’s heroics carried the Elasto Painters into overtime and helped them clinch the hard-fought victory after a tense sequence where Meralco’s Chris Banchero tried to salvage the game with a late layup before Chris Newsome and Allein Maliksi couldn’t convert on the ensuing possessions.
For Meralco, Bong Quinto delivered with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while CJ Cansino’s 18 points and eight rebounds kept the Bolts in striking range. Chris Newsome added 12 points, but Meralco absorbed a second loss in as many games as they continue to search for consistency this season.
Looking Ahead
As Rain or Shine basks in a comeback victory that showcased the depth and leadership of a veteran core, Guiao’s comments will echo in the locker room: if Norwood returns or reconsiders retirement, the Elasto Painters would be fortified by his presence. The team is tasked with building on the momentum, while Norwood himself will need to weigh whether the call to hang up the sneakers should wait a little longer, especially if his coach believes there is more left in the tank.
Related topics: PBA lifers, Rain or Shine legacy, Norwood retirement, Caelan Tiongson breakout
