GABE Norwood will continue to don the Rain or Shine jersey.
Despite all its stunning off-season moves, the Elasto Painters’ latest transaction is something that make the most sense for them as they secured the veteran two-way wingman.
After weeks of negotiations, Norwood and Rain or Shine agreed on a maximum two-year deal, keeping Norwood as one of their franchise cornerstones.
With this move, Rain or Shine kept two of its longtime core players in Norwood and Beau Belga after letting go of stars Paul Lee and JR Quinahan.
The return of Norwood will give Rain or Shine a lot of depth in its backcourt and wing positions as it will also have newly acquired James Yap and Mike Tolomia along with Jeff Chan, Chris Tiu, Jericho Cruz and Maverick Ahanmisi in the fold.
In other league developments, Phoenix Petroleum continued its bid to ensure its future.
The Fuel Masters signed top rookie pick Matthew Wright for three years on a maximum P8.5 million deal. They also inked fellow Gelo Alolino to a two-year pact.
Phoenix’s acquisition of these two touted rookies will be a boost in its campaign as head coach Ariel Vanguardia is expected to make full use of their abilities to help the team.
The Fil-Am guard, who helped the franchise win two PBA championships, was selected by the franchise as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 Rookie Draft.
Team captain Jireh Ibanes, who was the team’s second round pick in the 2006 PBA Draft, is the only Elasto Painters player with a longer tenure than Norwood.
The Elasto Painters management expressed satisfaction at having signed Norwood who inked the pact at the Rain or Shine office in Pasig. Having Norwood back means the return of a key player who provides leadership and ensures that the Elasto Painters remain title contenders.