Guiao Sees Spark Still Alive in Norwood
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao says the veteran guard Gabe Norwood remains a valuable piece of the puzzle for the Elasto Painters, even as the 40-year-old announces retirement at season’s end. Norwood’s late heroics kept his team competitive and ultimately led to a 96-95 overtime triumph over Meralco in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Montalban.
In a game that swung on a razor’s edge, Norwood’s presence on the floor proved why Guiao believes the former National Team staple still has plenty to offer. The Rain or Shine coach highlighted Norwood’s two crucial points to tie the game in regulation as a reminder of how the veteran’s leadership and steadiness anchor the team, especially in crunch time.
Norwood’s Evening: A Microcosm of a PBA Career
Norwood finished with 11 points, three rebounds and a steal, but his impact went beyond the stat line. Guiao praised the guard’s two-way contributions, noting that the veteran guard reliably handles both offense and defense in high-leverage moments. “Gabe played a really good game today, [both on] offense and defense. He put in those crucial two points to tie,” Guiao said in the post-game press conference at the Ynares Center.
The moment that stirred Guiao’s optimism about Norwood’s future came when Adrian Nocum’s point-blank try rimmed out, and Norwood swooped in to tip the ball back in for the tying score. It was the kind of instinctive play that has defined Norwood’s career—never shy of the moment, always a steadying force for his teammates.
Could Norwood Change His Mind?
After the thrilling win, Guiao expressed a hopeful note that the impending retirement announcement might be reconsidered. “I’m not sure. He’ll probably change his mind; he’ll probably play another conference. Puwede namang magpalit ng isip, eh,” he joked, a smile betraying his belief in Norwood’s ongoing value to Rain or Shine.
“Or another year, I don’t know. Gabe’s playing well. He’s still a really important part of the team. We could not have won this game without Gabe.” Guiao’s comment underscored the tension many veteran players feel between calling it a career and continuing to contribute at a high level amid the league’s evolving dynamics.
Norwood has long been a symbol for Rain or Shine’s culture—unselfish, durable, and team-first. The veteran guard, who has spent a significant portion of his career with the Elasto Painters, remains a rotation mainstay and a mentor to younger players, even as he contemplates life after basketball.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
While Norwood supplied key late-game plays, Caelan Tiongson emerged as the game’s headline performer with a game-high 23 points, 10 rebounds, an assist and a steal. Tiongson delivered a dramatic moment by sinking a critical hail mary from the four-point line to cut Meralco’s lead to 84-85 late in regulation and then added a bucket in overtime to push Rain or Shine ahead 96-93.
For Meralco, Bong Quinto led with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while CJ Cansino contributed 18 points and eight boards. Chris Newsome’s 12 points and Allein Maliksi’s 18 points kept the Bolts within striking distance, though they faltered late, failing to convert on successive chances that could have flipped the outcome.
What This Win Means for Rain or Shine
The victory not only aided Rain or Shine’s early-season momentum but also reinforced that Guiao’s team can win close games against strong competition with veteran leadership at the fore. Norwood’s recent form, coupled with the resilience of the supporting cast, signals that the Elasto Painters remain a threat in a crowded PBA field.
As Guiao speculated about the retirement decision, the accent remained on the present—how Norwood can continue to contribute in meaningful ways while guiding younger players. For a franchise rooted in grit and perseverance, the idea of extending Norwood’s tenure is appealing to fans who have seen him as a constant through the team’s various chapters.
Looking Ahead
As Rain or Shine moves forward, the question isn’t merely about Norwood’s next season. It’s about the broader strategy of blending veteran leadership with fresh talent to sustain competitiveness in a league that rewards depth and poise. With Norwood still delivering moments of impact and Tiongson flashing breakout potential, Guiao’s squad has reasons to believe in another season of meaningful victories.
Related story: PBA: Norwood starts farewell on high as Rain or Shine flips Bolts in OT
