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Just like how he was as a player, Gabe Norwood kept his game day essentials simple but effective.
Many basketball players these days lug around gear in huge bags as if they’re moving out of the house. Times sure have changed, because when Gabe Norwood was playing, he was the epitome of simplicity and efficiency.
And while that could very easily describe his playing style, it was also a good description of his pre-game gear. He added a thing or two as a nod to the aging process, but for the most part, he kept it to the bare minimum.
“Early in my career, it wasn’t a lot,” Norwood told The GAME in an exclusive interview. “Just bring my Nikes, bring my shoes and kind of lace them up and go. But as my career went on, you know, a massage gun, you know, resistance bands and going through that process. Even staying hydrated with products like Liquid IV or Ultra.
“It just kind of evolved over time, but I was a pretty low-maintenance guy. I didn’t have too many gadgets. I have the Air Relax, the compression stuff for post-game and recovery, things like that.”
Speaking of post-game recovery, Gabe shares another secret that contributed to his longevity.
“I did start doing acupuncture, which really helped me a lot. You know, my body reacted. Everybody’s body is different, but my body reacted really well to acupuncture throughout probably the last five or six years of my career.”
His advice is to not to do it during game days.
“It was usually when I had some time to recover. It’s not advised. You feel a little heavy afterwards. So I would do it maybe a day after the game or if we had the weekend off. I do it on a Friday and then, have the weekend to kind of let my body recover a little bit more.”
Later in his career, he didn’t leave home with his trusty massage gun, which he used even during games.
“It’s a great investment. You know, they have smaller, like the travel size massage gun. That’s usually what I had. I have it charged and usually on the bench. So when I came out of the games, I could use it during the game and just trying to keep myself loose. And even having it while I’m sitting in traffic, driving to the game. It was definitely beneficial to just keep my body as prepared as it could be.
As for his pre- and post-game rituals, Gabe was also low-maintenance.
“I don’t have to mix up my hairstyles too much. So it was maybe a brush and some deodorant and I’m ready to go. That was about it.
“Postgame showers and everything was pretty basic, you know, body wash and shampoos, facial wash. But outside of that, it was pretty basic.”
His outfit was also the bare minimum, just enough not to get fined by the PBA.
“I came in my whatever outfit I had on coming into the gym. You know, try to keep it professional. The PBA doesn’t let us walk in and out with slippers on. We’re not supposed to. So I tried to stay by those guidelines.”
Banner Images by Kieran Punay/KLIQ, Inc.