Norwood emerges as PH’s top defensive ace

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas’ rise to one of the top teams in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship has been anchored on their relentless defense, leaning on limiting their opponents’ stars to quiet nights to emerge on top.

And if there is one guy who has been at the forefront of the Philippines’ defensive machine, it has to be Gabe Norwood.

The national squad relies heavily on the 6-foot-5 wingman to stop threats coming from all over Asia. Faced by a huge task, the Rain or Shine stalwart has responded to the call with aplomb and has locked down high-scoring foes and holding them to average performances throughout the tourney.

Norwood has always been touted as one of the most versatile players in the country, but he said he’s been a defense-oriented cager from the moment he embraced the sport.

“It’s just something that was taught to me when I first started playing the game,” said the former PBA top overall pick. 

Norwood makes up for his lanky frame with his explosiveness and has shellacked the likes of Jimmy Baxter, Jarvis Hayes and Kosuke Kanamaru — 3 impressive scorers who went below their usual scoring output once guarded by the Filipino.

Jordan’s Baxter exploded for 30 points against Chinese Taipei before being held to 14 markers by Norwood.

Qatar’s Hayes shot 50% in his first 3 outings but was forced to take bad shots and made only 38.5% of them against Norwood. 

Japan’s Kanamaru was sizzling hot with 18.5 points per game on 61.9% shooting (75% from downtown) before Norwood destroyed his rhythm for the rest of the tournament by holding him to 4 points on 25% shooting (0% from downtown).

“The game plan was limiting the opponents’ best players and limiting their teams,” he said. “I’m just doing my part of the game.” 

Now with stronger foes coming up, Norwood says he isn’t about to rest on his laurels.

“We’ll see what happens,” he shared. “I try not giving opponents easy baskets. We will take it one step at a time.” – Rappler.com