Gabe Norwood ‘honored’ to be named Gilas Pilipinas team captain

Published July 6, 2016 3:03pm

Gabe Norwood was named team captain of Gilas Pilipinas for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila.

The veteran swingman is one of the most senior members of the national team, serving the flag since the suspension on the Philippine federation was lifted in 2007.

Norwood said he was surprised to be picked for the position, which was last held by Dondon Hontiveros in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship in Changsha, China.

"Coach Tab pulled me aside and said he was thinking about it. Like I said, I'm always up for the task," said the 6-foot-5 small forward on Wednesday after the team's practice.

Norwood could be the last PBA player to hold the Gilas captaincy with the Cadet program set to be installed to adjust to the new FIBA calendar.

He said, however, that he has not thought about that at all and remains focused in helping the national team book a ticket to the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

"It's an honor. I'd like to think we do it by committee, but I just try my best to lead by example and be extension of the coaches on the court," he said.

But Norwood also feels the weight of the title on his shoulders, especially with former captain Jimmy Alapag setting a high bar and leading Gilas to a historic stint in the World Cup held in Spain.

"We got some big shoes to fill with Jimmy gone. I talk to him regularly and he helps me out," he said. — RSJ, GMA News

Tags: gabenorwood, gilaspilipinas