For Gabe Norwood, There's A Lot Of Raw Talent In The Gilas Pilipinas Youth U16 Pool
Preparations are already in full swing for Gilas Pilipinas Youth ahead of the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers Philippines 2025 in San Fernando, Pampanga. Gilas Pilipinas Youth head coach LA Tenorio named Gabe Norwood of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters as one of his deputies for his coaching staff.
"First off, I’m honored and humbled, you know, to be considered for the role, to try help impact the foundation of the Gilas program. So I’m just excited to be here, first and foremost," Norwood said after one of Gilas Pilipinas Youth practice sessions at PhilSports Arena last week. "You have a great group of kids that are coming in everyday working really hard. Trying to learn as fast as they can in preparation for SEABA. And then also a staff, that’s kinda, been newly formed, a lot of familiar faces, but also, you know, we’re trying to figure out things as we go."
New head coach, new system
The Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings and Gilas Pilipinas Men are currently running the Triangle Offense, made famous by the Michael Jordan era Chicago Bulls in the 90s, but that is not the case for Gilas Pilipinas Youth.
"Actually, we’re not running the triangle offense but the defensive scheme[s] that the men’s are doing. So far, nagrerespond naman yung mga bata. Iba naman itong mga batang ito eh. We’re trying to be more – have that leeway sa mga bata," Gilas Pilipinas Youth head coach LA Tenorio said in a recent interview last week with Sporty Noob.
Norwood has the same thoughts on the latter about LA Tenorio's system for Gilas Pilipinas Youth.
"As much as they can. You know, I think, like I said, LA [Tenorio] and the rest of the staff, we’ve been putting in things bit by bit. You know, not kinda coach too much at the kids at one time but they’re picking up pretty well," The former Gilas Pilipinas star stressed. "I think the biggest thing now, is just really getting into the details, not taking any shortcuts as we try to move fast. But everybody, all the way across the board, I think, is doing a good job."
With the grueling week-long SEABA tournament in a couple of days, the Gilas Pilipinas Youth have their eyes on Vietnam, their first opponent on May 24. For Norwood, getting the Gilas Pilipinas U16 focused for the entire competition is one of top priorities of the coaching staff.
"Yeah, right now, it’s Vietnam. It’s the first game. So we wanna make sure we come out with a good start at the end of the day. It’s U-16, you know, there’s a lot going on," the PBA veteran said. "And they realize that they’re growing up as men, and everything outside of the court. If we can get them focused in on their first game and hopefully, we carry the momentum all the way through."
Helping develop the young talents
For Norwood, the group of young, talented players they have in the Gilas Pilipinas U16 pool are special and could very well be the future of the Philippine basketball. While sharing his knowledge and experience of the game, Norwood and the rest of coaching staff will also put their best efforts in developing these young athletes unlock their full potential through the Gilas Pilipinas Youth program.
"I think we have some special players in this group. Naturally comes down to the work they put in, the effort that they put forth," the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters forward said. "But we’re doing our job as coaches to try to put them in the best position to advance their careers, not just here in the national team, but at the pro level. They’re not even in college yet, so the college level into the pro level, and hopefully, representing the country for a long time."
Raw, talented, and well-rounded players
The first time Gilas Pilipinas Youth deputy has nothing but praises for his U16 squad. Not only are these group of youngsters talented, they're also not afraid to ask questions and make mistakes in the process. Norwood was also impressed of how well-rounded the Gilas Pilipinas Youth players are.
"Talent. Just a lot of talent. Raw talent. But a lot of eagerness to learn," the former George Mason University standout said. "Guys who aren’t afraid to ask questions and make mistakes, that’s part of the process, right? In terms of practice and getting ready, but a lot of talent all the way across the board. From our guards to our bigs, our wings, it’s really talented offensively and defensively. Just well rounded players."