RAIN or Shine may have already been eliminated in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals by defending champion San Miguel Beer, but the team is moving forward for the next conference.

First step is bringing back veteran Gabe Norwood as playing assistant coach.

The 39-year-old Filipino-American forward-guard, who was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by Rain or Shine in 2008, formally renewed his contract as a member of Yeng Guiao’s coaching staff.

Reports said Norwood’s role as playing assistant coach of the Elasto Painters is good for at least for a year.

Now on his 15th season, Norwood was a vital cog as the E-Painters reached the semifinals of the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup — their first in five years.

The Fayetteville, North Carolina native averaged 3.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.

While he may now be a shadow of his old self, Norwood remains a steadying presence in a team that boasts of a young, promising roster.

“We have to keep Gabe and Beau (Belga) so they can keep on helping us in the team. Sila yung veteran leaders namin,” said Guiao in an interview posted at the official PBA website.

Guiao said Norwood and fellow veteran Beau Belga provided the leadership to the team despite losing to San Miguel in a four-game sweep in their semifinals series.

Rain or Shine team governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon and lead assistant coach Caloy Garcia witnessed Norwood signing his new contract as playing assistant coach.

Actually, Norwood is only the second player to sign as a playing assisstant coach, joining fellow veteran Chris Ross.

Ross signed a similar deal with San Miguel Beer.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Robert Andaya