After competing for the Philippines in the FIBA World Cup, George Mason alum Gabe Norwood, 2003-07, took time to catch up with GoMason.com on his experience in Spain and his professional career. Learn more about Norwood's experience with the Q&A below.
GoMason.com: Tell us about your experience competing in the FIBA World Cup with the National Philippines team?
Gabe Norwood: Being blessed with the opportunity to represent the Philippines in the FIBA World Cup was unbelievable. A lot of people don't know how much the country loves hoops and there was no better stage to show the world that passion for the game.
GoMason.com: What was the most exciting part of the FIBA World Cup?
GN: The most exciting part for me was having my great grandmother in Spain with my family. Seeing the joy on her face after every game, win or lose, was priceless. She has some great stories to bring back to share with her Filipino friends in Hawaii.
GoMason.com: You made ESPN SportsCenter with a poster dunk during the game against Argentina. Do you remember the play? How did it feel to be recognized?
GN: SportsCenter catching wind of the two dunks against Argentina was cool. To be honest the 2nd dunk, the left-handed one, surprised me. I hadn't dunked left-handed in a game since college I think. And I hadn't been on ESPN since college either.
GoMason.com: What was the atmosphere like during the World Cup?
GN: The atmosphere made me feel like I was playing in the FIFA World Cup, not FIBA. To see the pride that each country had made each game that much more exciting to play.
GoMason.com: What's up next for you professionally?
GN: Next up for me is representing the Philippines in the Asian Games in Korea in the middle of the month. After that the PBA [Philippine Basketball Association] season starts up in October.
GoMason.com: Where did you play professionally after graduation from Mason?
GN: When my career finished at Mason, I came right out to Manila and represented the country in the summer of 2007 before starting my pro career that fall.
GoMason.com: What are some of your personal highlights of your professional career?
GN: Outside of the national team experiences, I've won one championship as a pro (playing for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters - a local paint company). The country has also brought out numerous NBA stars over my nearly seven year career which I've had the honor of playing against.
GoMason.com: You were able to attend a State Dinner earlier this year. What was that like?
GN: The state dinner was a wild experience. People here [Philippines] think I have a resemblance to President Obama, so I think that's what got me the invite. I didn't get a chance to meet him but it was fun meeting some of the most important people of the Philippines.
GoMason.com: How did Mason help prepare you for your professional career?
GN: Mason and the basketball program really prepared me to be a pro. The coaching staff ran a tight ship and taught us a lot about respect and leaving lasting impressions on people. The diversity of the university also helped me adjust to living abroad.
GoMason.com: How often do you return to Mason?
GN: I haven't been back to Mason in about four years. My grandparents live in PG County, Maryland and my sister, Brianna, is actually the captain of the Masonettes.
GoMason.com: Do you keep in touch with any of your teammates?
GN: I was lucky enough to have Jai Lewis out here as a teammate for two seasons in the PBA. Tim Burns, is still one of my best friends, and actually MC'ed my wedding reception. Social media has made it easy to stay in contact with all the guys. Tony Skinn, Jesus Urbina, Folarin Campbell, John Vaughan, Darryl Monroe and Chris Fleming are all guys I often catch up with.
