Chris Newsome could not help but feel mixed emotions on Monday evening.
On one hand, he was pleased to have led Meralco to a 98-89 victory over Rain or Shine, sending the Bolts into the 2025–26 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals. The win completed a series upset that required Meralco to take two games against the higher-seeded Elasto Painters.
On the other, the triumph came at the expense of one of his heroes—Gabe Norwood, who has vowed to retire after the conference.
“Sorry it had to come from us, but Gabe, we’ll talk about this down the line someday,” said Newsome, who poured in 18 of his 31 points in the final frame, including the last 12 points for the Bolts.
Ever since arriving in the Philippines, Newsome has often been compared to Norwood, both for his playing style and his character.
Fresh off a three-year stint with Division II school New Mexico Highlands, Newsome transferred to Ateneo de Manila University in 2012. During his three-year stay in Katipunan, he watched Norwood not only lead Rain or Shine but also grow into one of the pillars of Gilas Pilipinas Men.
(C) PBA Images
“Gabe is actually a really influential person in my life and in my career. When I first got here, a lot of people already compared my game and my personality to Gabe Norwood,” he shared.
“He was the one person they said I reminded them of, and I really took that to heart.”
In 2015, Newsome was drafted by Meralco as the fourth overall pick. Not only did he get to face one of his idols on the court, he also developed a close friendship with him.
“Over the years, I got to know Gabe both on and off the court, and he’s as professional as they come. That’s what I want to be known as—a true professional, someone who shows up to work on time, has a good attitude, and genuinely cares about the people they work with,” he continued.
“That’s something he brought everywhere he went.”
Throughout his national team career, Norwood amassed a total of 64 FIBA caps, not including his appearances in the Southeast Asian and Asian Games. It was only three years after Norwood retired from Gilas duty that Newsome gained local status from FIBA.
Since then, Newsome has already suited up in 18 FIBA-sanctioned games.
“When you talk about his Gilas stint, he was able to impact the entire Gilas team, influence everyone, and lead by example. Those are characteristics you really have to give him credit for,” said Newsome, one of the leaders of the current Gilas pool.
“He is a true leader, and that’s something I can only aspire to be. I hope I can reach the level of achievements he’s had in his career. I know he’s going to be okay with whatever comes next for him—he’s going to do great.”
After the final buzzer sounded on Norwood’s career, Newsome made sure to personally express his gratitude.
“I just told Gabe that I wanted him to know personally how much he influenced my life and my career. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without him, because he’s shown me so much and taught me a lot,” he shared.
“I wanted to make sure he knew that man-to-man, face-to-face. All I really wanted to express was my gratitude, and to let him know that he influenced not just the generation after him, but multiple generations.”
Newsome, who married long-time partner Cam Lagmay last July, is also happy to see Norwood finally get the chance to spend more time with his family.
At the same time, he is already looking forward to seeing Norwood return to the court—this time in a different role.
“There are a lot of kids in Batang Gilas now who look up to Gabe, so I just wanted to let him know that he did a good job,” Newsome said.
“I wish him the best of luck in whatever comes next in his career.”
(C) Julius Domondon/Milcu Sports
