July 02, 2024

PBA: Gabe Norwood takes on new role as playing assistant coach of Rain or Shine

PBA: Gabe Norwood takes on new role as playing assistant coach of Rain or Shine
Gabe Norwood in action during Rain or Shine's Game Three semifinal battle with San Miguel last May 22 | Photo (c) PBA

Coach Gabe has a nice ring to it.

Players and fans have to get used to Gabe Norwood's new title now as he will become a playing assistant coach for Rain or Shine once the PBA Season 49 unfurls.

The 39-year-old Gilas hero, now on his 16th year in the league, inked a one-year deal to dabble in his new deputy role in a development announced by the Elasto Painters on their official social media accounts on Thursday, May 30.

 

Among the first to congratulate him was former teammate and current Magnolia Hotshot Paul Lee.

"Congrats G!!! Well deserved (sic)," wrote Lee on Instagram.

 

The 2008 top draft pick joins the likes of fellow veteran Chris Ross who has also taken a similar role for San Miguel since October.

Ross juggles his dual tasks as player and assistant coach for the Beermen, with young guys like CJ Perez, Terrence Romeo and Jericho Cruz getting the bulk of the minutes.

Norwood’s new role came at a time when youthful Rain or Shine made things tough for eventual finalists San Miguel before bowing out of the semifinals in four games.

[ALSO READ: PBA: Coach Yeng Guiao says Rain or Shine stands to gain substantial experience from playing best team San Miguel