CJ Giles willing to be naturalized

JAKARTA – Despite invitations from various NBA training camps, American CJ Giles said he is willing to undergo the naturalization process to be eligible to represent the country in various international competitions.

“It’s a good team, we have a good coach and I feel at home with these guys,” said the 6-11 Giles, who powered Smart Gilas Pilipinas to a fifth place finish in the just-concluded 20th FIBA-Asia Champions Cup here.

Giles averaged 18.83 points, 13.17 rebounds, 2.33 shot blocks and 1.67 steals in six games although he was slowed down by an injury midway in the tournament.

He, however, said that he might accept invitations from the Orlando Magic, the Toronto Raptors or the Milwaukee Bucks to attend their training camps beginning August.

Still, Giles said he has adjusted well with his Filipino teammates.

“I like it here (Smart Gilas) though. In the NBA, I will just be an ordinary guy sitting on the bench,” said the lanky, high-leaping Giles.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, however, must decide and move fast if it wants Giles to tap as its naturalized player since other Asian countries like Iran, Lebanon and Jordan have also shown interest in him.

“We need someone like CJ in our team,” said RP’s Serbian coach Rajko Toroman, adding he is eyeing two or three more big men, including 6-10 Japeth Aguilar, 6-7 Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Fil-Am Chris Lutz to beef up the squad.

“If we can get Japeth, Rabeh and Chris in our team, we will have the luxury to shift Giles to four or five (power forward and center) position,” said Toroman. – Joey Villar