Gabe Norwood still 'a little tired,' but psyched to be back for Rain or Shine

Gilas Pilipinas member Gabe Norwood missed the first game of the PBA season for Rain or Shine, but came back seemingly in good form against Blackwater Elite on Friday.

 

Norwood played 18 minutes for the Elasto Painters and scored seven points, including a runaway dunk that made the audience erupt in the second half.

 

"I felt pretty good, a little tired now. More tired than I usually am. Hopefully just continue to improve every game," Norwood said.

 

The Gilas wingman, who gained renown after posterizing Argentina star Luis Scola in the FIBA Basketball World Cup, took a break after three months of playing for the national team. He spent some time with his family in the United States and arrived on Tuesday as his team went down fighting against San Miguel Beermen.

 

"I told Coach (Yeng Guiao) that I will come back in shape and be able to play. I guess I did well enough for him to trust me and put me out there," he said.

 

When asked about his condition, Norwood said Guiao's style will help him recover to 100 percent.

 

"It's hard to tell what until I really play the minutes that I usually play, but you know coach Yeng has always that style of using everyone," Norwood said.

 

"I think that helps me in my situation to actively play right away 'cause I'm not forced to play the whole game," he added.

 

Asked when he will come back at full strength, Norwood is positive that he will be able to recover soon.

 

"Hopefully the next [game]. Being competitive that I am, I'll be ready to go every night." — JST, GMA News