Hapee likely to go for Norwood

People's Journal
September 28, 2007

FOR now, Hapee Toothpaste appears inclined to make Fil-American Gabe Norwood the No. 1 pick when the Philippine Basketball League holds its Rookie Entry Draft today.

Though the former George Mason University star has reportedly inked a lucrative contract to play in Europe, Hapee team manager Bernard Yang is hopeful the 6-foot-5 forward will come back to the country to play for the Cecilio Pedto-owned franchise.

Yang said he had already sent an email to Norwood, detailing his interest in getting him as they are aching to regain their lost glory following a disappointing finish in the last conference.

Norwood suited up for the all-pro Philippine team that participated in the FIBA-Asia Championship last April in Japan. It was also in that tournament where the wiry but athletic Norwood expressed interest in playing in the PBL.

The 6-foot-4 Cruz is the top gun of University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP and also the leading candidate for the MVP plum.

Hapee also has the No. 5 pick following a trade with Harbour Centre last year. Lina Group of Companies, which bought the franchise of Welcoat Paints, owns the No. 2 and 4 picks.

Bachhus is eyeing some players of University of the East who have no teams yet in the league.

The order in the second draft will be Hapee, San Miguel-Magnolia, Toyota Balintawak, LGC, Harbour Centre, Pharex and Bacchus.