Gabe Norwood was a junior on the 2005-06 Mason men's basketball team. He started the first two games in the 2006 NCAA Tournament and was a big contributor in the other games as a sixth man. Norwood graduated in 2007 and was the first overall pick in the Philippine Basketball Association Draft in 2008. He has named Rookie of the Year and is a seven-time PBA All-Star. He also played on the Philippines National Basketball Team, most recently as a member on the 2015 FIBA Asia Championships team. GoMason.com caught up with Norwood during this 10th anniversary of the 2006 Final Four.

Q. Do you keep in touch with your Mason teammates?

A. Yea I try to stay in contact with everyone. More so Tim burns about once or twice a month. Tony, Lamar, Jai, Folarin, Darryl Monroe are all guys I keep up with and social media makes it easier. 

Q. Do you keep in touch with the coaches?

A. Yes, make a point to keep in touch with the entire staff at least once or twice during the season. 

Q. What experience did you gain playing overseas?

A. I've been blessed with the opportunity to continue playing basketball professionally in the Philippines. I'm still currently playing.

Q. Did you play with or against a Mason teammate overseas?

A.  Jai came out and played alongside me in the Philippines two years in a row. I believe it was 2009 and 2010.

Q. Do you still get recognized as a member of the 2006 Mason team? If so, any good stories?

A.  Yes, to this day it's still brought up at least once a month. No matter if it's casual conversation or younger guys asking for advice.

Q. What do you remember about Selection Sunday?

A. The tension in the room. The fact of knowing our seasons' fate was in the hands of the committee and there was nothing we could do about it was nerve racking.

Q. What memory do you have of eating at Outback in March 2006?

A. Seems like every meal was at Outback that year (laughing). I still go at times and make sure to get my order of wings before I get my entree. 

Q. What are your top 3 moments from the 2006 season?

A. 1. The open practice in Indianapolis with 20k people.

2. Our win against UConn.

3. The locker room environment during our entire final four run.

Q. Tell me a good story about that run in March that maybe fans don't know?

A.  Seems like everything has been documented, but it would probably be the competitiveness in our practices. The media got to see the happy-go-lucky side of our team. But we were ultra-competitive.

Q. Which pregame speech from coach Larranaga struck you the most? Why?

A. All of them. Coach L was so consistent, from the message to his delivery. He always had us ready to play.

Q. How do you fill out your bracket in March? What's it like to now watch March Madness from your home?

A. I haven't done so in a while. Playing in the Philippines, I don't see many college games. 

Q. How do you compare Mason to other underdogs that have gone to the final 4?

A. We were the first. Outside of Larry bird's Indiana state team, we set the bar.

Q. Do you think the media and fans look at underdogs differently now that Mason paved the way as a double-digit seed?

A. I think it's primarily the same, but there is less shock when mid-majors make deep runs in the tournament. 

Q. What do you do when you hear Bon Jovi's 'Livin on a Prayer'? 

A. Instantly think back to my time at Mason. Usually followed by a smile. 

Q. What was going through your mind when Denham Brown was dribbling down the court for the final shot? And what was the feeling or thoughts you had when it clank off the rim?

A.  I honestly didn't see it. I had my head down, just praying he missed. When he did, I followed the lead of everyone and celebrated. Ran to the opposite corner of the arena and tried to spot my family in the stands.

Q. In 2006 was there a particular music you listened to or dance during that time?

A.  A lot of songs that were popular was hip-hop more specific "snap" music. 

Q. How would you describe the 2006 run to the Final Four in one sentence?

A.  One of the greatest experiences of my life, which showed me anything is possible with faith and teamwork.

SAVE THE DATE! 10th Anniversary of the 2006 Final Four Celebration.