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Rain Or Shine To Retire Gabe Norwood's No. 5 In Emotional Tribute
Photo credit: PBA
It’s the end of an era for Rain or Shine Elasto Painters—and a well-deserved honor for one of its all-time greats.
The team is set to retire jersey No. 5 of Gabe Norwood in a special ceremony this Friday, sealing his legacy as one of the franchise’s most iconic figures.
The tribute will take place at halftime of Rain or Shine’s game against the Converge FiberXers at the SM Mall of Asia Arena—a fitting stage for a player who spent nearly two decades giving his all for the team.
In a heartfelt social media post, the Elasto Painters didn’t hold back in praising Norwood: “A player who defined an era. A true Rain or Shine legend. A legacy that will never fade.”
Norwood recently called time on his career after the PBA Philippine Cup, wrapping up an incredible 17-year run—all of it with Rain or Shine. That kind of loyalty is rare, and it’s a big reason why his No. 5 jersey is now being immortalized.
Drafted first overall in 2008, Norwood came in with strong credentials, having been part of George Mason Patriots’ historic Final Four run in 2006. And he didn’t disappoint.
He went on to win two PBA championships with the franchise—the 2012 Governors’ Cup and the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup—alongside teammates like Paul Lee, Jeff Chan, Beau Belga, and JR Quinahan under coach Yeng Guiao.
Interestingly, Norwood didn’t always wear No. 5. Early in his career, he suited up in No. 10 before eventually switching to the number that would become synonymous with his name.
Now, that number won’t just belong to a player—it will stand as a symbol of leadership, loyalty, and a legacy that helped shape Rain or Shine’s identity.
On Friday, it’s not just a jersey going up—it’s a career being remembered the way it deserves.
The team is set to retire jersey No. 5 of Gabe Norwood in a special ceremony this Friday, sealing his legacy as one of the franchise’s most iconic figures.
The tribute will take place at halftime of Rain or Shine’s game against the Converge FiberXers at the SM Mall of Asia Arena—a fitting stage for a player who spent nearly two decades giving his all for the team.
In a heartfelt social media post, the Elasto Painters didn’t hold back in praising Norwood: “A player who defined an era. A true Rain or Shine legend. A legacy that will never fade.”
Norwood recently called time on his career after the PBA Philippine Cup, wrapping up an incredible 17-year run—all of it with Rain or Shine. That kind of loyalty is rare, and it’s a big reason why his No. 5 jersey is now being immortalized.
Drafted first overall in 2008, Norwood came in with strong credentials, having been part of George Mason Patriots’ historic Final Four run in 2006. And he didn’t disappoint.
He went on to win two PBA championships with the franchise—the 2012 Governors’ Cup and the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup—alongside teammates like Paul Lee, Jeff Chan, Beau Belga, and JR Quinahan under coach Yeng Guiao.
Interestingly, Norwood didn’t always wear No. 5. Early in his career, he suited up in No. 10 before eventually switching to the number that would become synonymous with his name.
Now, that number won’t just belong to a player—it will stand as a symbol of leadership, loyalty, and a legacy that helped shape Rain or Shine’s identity.
On Friday, it’s not just a jersey going up—it’s a career being remembered the way it deserves.
Apr 7, 2026
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