Long way to go for Gilas PH, says Norwood

Gilas skipper Gabe Norwood. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Gilas Pilipinas captain Gabe Norwood knows the team still has a lot to work on heading into the 2019 Fiba World Cup but he knows that the he and his teammates are on the right track.

The Philippine national men’s basketball team trimmed the Adelaide 36ers, 92-83, in a tuneup game Friday at Meralco Gym and Norwood said the chemistry of the team is already there.

“I think in terms of everybody getting along, trying to get on the same page, I think we’re doing a good job,” Norwood said.

Norwood, who played the entire second half, was scoreless in the game but his leadership stood out, keeping his teammates in check while contributing heavily on the defensive end against the Australian side.

The Gilas pool members needed every ounce of effort they could muster against Adelaide, putting the game away in the final 3:34.

Roger Pogoy lit up in the final minutes, scoring eight points in Gilas’ 13-2 game-closing run that Japeth Aguilar capped with a two-handed poster dunk on Eric Griffin with around 35 seconds to play.

“I think effort was through the roof,” Norwood said. “We did a good job rebounding and getting into transition so as long as we keep doing that—make teams work hard for baskets, not give up easy points—I think we’ll be okay.”

Gilas had a slim 34-33 lead in total rebounds but they found their mark from beyond the arc, going 10-of-24 from three-point distance while Adelaide went 6-of-22.

“I don’t like rating things, I think we still have work to do. That’s all I can say,” Norwood said.