One last flight: Gabe Norword to retire from PBA after Season 50 PH Cup

Metro Manila, Philippines - Gabe Norwood announced on Thursday, Oct. 9, that the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup will be his last stint as he closes the chapter of a 17-year run with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

After a college stint with George Mason University in the US, Norwood moved to the Philippines where he was selected as the first overall pick by the Elasto Painters in the 2008 PBA Draft.

The 6-foot-6 forward helped Rain or Shine capture the 2012 PBA Governors' Cup and 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup titles.

“I poured everything I had into this game, and in return, it has given me more than I could ever ask for, the unforgettable moments on the court, the battles won and lost, the lifelong friendships, the love of the fans, and above all, a family,” Norwood said in a video posted by the Elasto Painters on its social media pages.

“That’s why today, I want to share with you all that this upcoming Philippine Cup will be my last. One last conference, one last run, one last flight,” he added.

On the international stage, Norwood will be best remembered for his dunk over Argentina's Luis Scola at the 2014 FIBA World Cup held in Seville, Spain.

Norwood won silver medals for the Philippines in the FIBA Asia Championship in 2013 and 2015, a gold medal in the 2007 Southeast Asian Games, and a gold medal in the 2012 Jones Cup.