Norwood ecstatic to don Gilas jersey anew

MANILA, Philippines — It’s been 10 years since Gabe Norwood first brandished the word “Pilipinas” across his chest. Yet his outlook remains razor sharp.

 “Back again. I'm honored and excited for this go around,” the Rain or Shine forward said. “It's kinda wild to still be thought of as a valuable asset to the team.”

Norwood will be returning to the Gilas Pilipinas crew bound for the FIBA Asia Cup in Lebanon next month.

“It's exciting. Any time you represent the country it's exciting,” he said.

Asked about a quick assessment on the 11 other guys on the roster bound for Beirut, the cager — who has made a lasting image for Pinoy fans around the world for dunking over Argentina’s Luis Scola in the World Cup — said that “puso” will remain an essential facet of the squad.

“Being able to watch them is SEABA and at the Jones Cup, the country should be excited. Whether I'm there or not, there's a lot of guys that are playing with their heart, puso all the way through,” he said.

Having been through many international competitions with Gilas, Norwood also expressed disappointment over not having Andray Blatche back by his side. But he also remains optimistic.

“Dray represented the country well. I think he put on a show every time he stepped on the court. It's tough not to go out there and battle with him again but I wish him the best on whatever he's planning on doing,” he said.

With China as their first assignment, Norwood also added that he hasn’t forgotten about what transpired in China in the 2015 FIBA Asia skirmish.

“Always,” he said of the fateful encounter. “We all know the tactics that went on in that host situation. But neutral ground [in Lebanon], should be exciting.”