I still remember watching that 2016 Commissioner's Cup finals like it was yesterday - the electric atmosphere at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the deafening roar of the crowd when Rain or Shine secured their second PBA championship. What struck me most wasn't just the victory itself, but how Gabe Norwood seemed to be everywhere on that court, making those crucial defensive stops that ultimately sealed the game. It's been seven long years since that glorious moment, and honestly, it's surprising that a franchise with such talent hasn't returned to the finals since. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball for over two decades, I've come to appreciate how rare players like Norwood are in our local basketball scene.

When Gabe first entered the PBA in 2008 as the number one overall pick, I'll admit I had my doubts. Here was this lanky Fil-American who seemed almost too polite for the physicality of Philippine basketball. But boy, was I wrong. His impact was immediate and profound. What makes Norwood special isn't just his stat line - though his career averages of 7.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game don't fully capture his value - but rather how he revolutionized the point forward position in the PBA. Before Gabe, we rarely saw players of his height (he stands at 6'5") handling the ball and orchestrating offense with such grace. He brought this unique blend of American basketball fundamentals and adaptability to the Filipino style of play that we simply hadn't seen before.

I've always believed that the true measure of a player's greatness extends beyond championships, though let's be real - those two titles in 2012 and 2016 certainly help his case. What fascinates me about Norwood's career is how he's managed to remain relevant and effective despite the PBA's evolving landscape. Remember that incredible stat from the 2016 Commissioner's Cup finals? He averaged 1.8 steals and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 48% from the field - numbers that don't even begin to capture his defensive leadership. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and I've lost count of how many times I've seen him make the right read on both ends of the floor that doesn't show up in traditional statistics.

The current drought since their last finals appearance in 2016 speaks volumes about how difficult it is to maintain championship-level performance in the PBA. From my perspective, what Rain or Shine has been missing isn't just talent - they've had plenty of that - but the kind of veteran presence and consistency that Norwood provides. At 38 years young, he's still out there competing at a high level, which is frankly remarkable in today's game. I've noticed how younger players still look to him during crucial moments, and that respect isn't given - it's earned through years of professionalism and clutch performances.

What many casual fans might not appreciate is Norwood's role in changing how PBA teams value defensive specialists. Before his arrival, the league tended to prioritize scoring above all else. Gabe demonstrated that you could build around a player who might not average 20 points per game but could lockdown the opponent's best player while facilitating offense. His career defensive rating of approximately 98.3 is elite by any measure, and I'd argue he's the best perimeter defender the PBA has seen in the last 15 years. Teams started looking for their own versions of Norwood - lengthy, versatile defenders who could handle multiple positions.

The international stage is where I believe Norwood truly cemented his legacy. Having covered numerous Gilas Pilipinas campaigns, I can confidently say that his contributions to the national team are arguably more significant than his PBA achievements. His performance against world-class competition in multiple FIBA Asia Championships and World Cups showcased that Filipino players could compete defensively at the highest level. That iconic block on Andray Blatche during the 2014 Asian Games? Pure basketball poetry that still gives me chills thinking about it.

As Rain or Shine continues their quest to return to the finals, I can't help but feel that Norwood's leadership will be crucial in getting them there. His basketball journey mirrors the evolution of Philippine basketball itself - becoming more sophisticated, more defensively conscious, while retaining that creative flair that makes our brand of basketball so exciting to watch. While statistics tell part of the story - his 12,000+ minutes played, 500+ games, those two championships - they can't capture the quiet dignity and professional excellence he's brought to every game. In my book, Gabe Norwood isn't just a PBA great; he's a transformative figure who helped shape modern Philippine basketball, and his impact will be felt long after he eventually hangs up his sneakers.