When Gabe Norwood entered the courts of the Upper Deck Gym in Pasig City Thursday night, he saw a lot of new faces in Gilas Pilipinas. Gone were his brothers-at-arms from past Gilas teams like Ranidel de Ocampo and Marc Pingris, as players like Kiefer Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks, Jr., and the rest of the next generation of Philippine basketball filled up the court.
And the 32-year-old immediately felt that he was back home.
“It was fun! It was fun to get back into the system and meet the guys, new faces and some old faces, the coach staff, and even the utility,” shared Norwood, who last donned the country’s colors during the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
“It’s good to have the flag back on my chest.”
Moreover, he marveled at the collection of talent inside the gym, as the nine-year PBA veteran confessed that he is a huge fan of the local collegiate scene.
“A lot of talent! I’ve been watching a lot of college basketball for awhile, both the UAAP and the NCAA,” shared the product of George Mason. “These are guys I’ve followed since I’ve been here. Beyond the court, seeing their instinct is impressive.
“It’s a good sign for the future.”
Another player the former Philippine team skipper noticed is Filipino-German Christian Standhardinger, whom he sees as a pivotal piece to the program.
“Good guy but late. I heard that was a common thing with him (laughs).
“But overall his work ethic, his energy is contagious. That’s going to be a good thing for us because what we lack in size, we need to make up for it with speed and energy. I think he will set the tone for us,” furthered the 6-foot-6 swingman.
To close, Norwood is just excited to have a part in the development of these young players.
“I’m the oldest one! Jimmy even asked me if was the oldest one and I said yeah! I guess I am,” quipped Norwood, who has been in service for a decade.
“You know it’s weird but it’s exciting. In a country that loves basketball so much, just knowing the type of passion all these guys have, everyone’s going to ask, who will be the next RDO? Who will be the next Ping? Who will be the next LA? The list goes on and on and I’m excited.”
