.jpg) |
| Gabe Norwood will see his number 5 jersey get immortalized on Friday. PBA Images (file photo) |
MANILA--There is another reason why everyone should watch the entire Friday night PBA Commissioner's Cup doubleheader at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay aside from the anticipated post-anniversary Manila Clasico.
Rain or Shine will battle Converge in the first game of the twinbill, and during halftime, the Elasto Painters will retire Gabe Norwood's number 5 jersey.
The six-foot-six swingman never left ROS since he was drafted first overall in the 2008 PBA Draft, and he was instrumental in the team's two championships in 2012 and 2016.
Norwood announced that the recent PBA Philippine Cup was his swan song, and his 17-year career came to an end following the team's quarterfinal loss to Meralco.
Coach Yeng Guiao said after the December 29 rubber match that the jersey retirement was in the works at that time, and on Friday night, it is about to come to reality.
The game between the Elasto Painters and FiberXers will serve as the curtain raiser to the latest chapter of the Manila Clasico between the Magnolia Hotshots and Barangay Ginebra.
The games will come one day after the PBA celebrates its 51st founding anniversary, making Norwood's jersey retirement more fitting for the occasion.
.jpg&description=PBA: ROS to retire Gabe Norwood's jersey in Friday clash vs Converge){kind=link}