Giles signs with Gilas Pilipinas; SBP seeks quick naturalization

Proof that it is leaving no stones unturned in its ambitious quest to qualify in the 2012 London Olympics, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has officially signed up former Los Angeles Laker CJ Giles for a one-year contract.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Noli Eala said having Giles agreed to sign up and play for the RP-Smart Gilas team is the first major step in acquiring a long-sought naturalized player. Eala refused to disclose the amount involved in the contract, but hinted it is close to the salary being received by a PBA import. Reinforcements in Asia’s first ever play-for-pay league approximately get $15,000 a month, an amount that could net the 23-year-old Giles $180,000 or roughly P7.27 million a month. Eala has been vocal about SBP’s plans to naturalize Giles as part of its ambitious project to qualify in the 2012 London Olympics. “We’re really excited to have CJ in the lineup. It’s one of the ingredients that will give (the Nationals) a better shot at an Olympic slot in London." The 6-foot-10 American is still in the U.S. after attending the NBA Summer League recently playing for the Denver Nuggets, where he averaged 7.2 points and 7.0 rebounds. But he is expected to return here on September 1 and start practicing with Serbian coach Rajko Toroman and the RP-Smart Gilas team. The SBP is now in the process of seeking the help of Antipolo City Rep. Robbie Puno to speed up the naturalization of Giles, who played with the Kansas Jayhawks and the Oregon State Beavers during his college years. Puno heads the Committee on Youth and Sports development in the House of Representatives and once worked with Eala during his stint as PBA commissioner. The SBP, according to Eala, has the option to extend Giles’ contract depending on how he performs with the Smart-Gilas team. Aside from the monthly stipend, part of the multi-million contract also includes a house and a car service. Eala added: he can also bring with him his brother and three-year old son." Giles, who was never selected during the 2008 NBA Draft, first made an impression when he reinforced the Smart Gilas team in the recent FIBA-Asia Champions Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia, where the Nationals made the quarterfinals and eventually finished fifth overall. Several teams, according to Eala, had been recruiting Giles as possible naturalized player, including regional powerhouse Lebanon. Unable to sign up Giles, the Lebanese eventually settled with Mahram-Iran’s import Jackson Vroman, who already suited up for Lebanon in the 25th FIBA-Asia men’s basketball championship in Tianjin, China. As part of its training for next year’s Asian Games, the RP-Smart Gilas team will be playing as a guest ballclub in the coming 35th season of the PBA, with Giles expected to suit up for the Nationals. – GMANews.TV