C.J. Giles

C.J. Giles

Former Lakers camp invite Giles started this year in the Philippines as Smart Gilas' import player. Smart Gilas are a Philippines team that aren't like normal club teams; even though they play in the domestic Philippines league, they were founded to be the next Philippines national team. A selection of amateur and college standouts were chosen to form the basis for this new team, along with one import player, training religiously with a veteran Serbian coach (Rajko Toroman) in order to have created a competitive team in time for the 2012 Olympics. It's a unique plan, and the fact that Smart Gilas are competing in the Filipino PBA league makes it all rather strange, but the intent makes sense.

Smart Gilas tabbed C.J. Giles as their import player, perhaps on account of his surname. However, he was released by the team for disciplinary reasons, reasons which (allegedly) include an intense nightlife, unashamed marijuana consumption, an uncooperative attitude and a punch-up with his brother. Giles played in 2 PBA games with the team and totalled 27 minutes, 12 points, 8 rebounds and 6 fouls before his release.

Giles is 6'11 and very athletic. Those two statements are true statements. However, everything else is a work in progress. In fact, calling them "works in progress" might be generous. For no progress appears to be being made.

- C.J. Giles

Former Lakers camp invite Giles started this year as Smart Gilas' import player. Smart Gilas are a Philippines team that aren't like normal club teams; even though they play in the domestic Philippines league, they were founded to be the next Philippines national team. A selection of amateur and college standouts were chosen to form the basis for this new team, along with one import player, training religiously with a veteran Serbian coach (Rajko Toroman) in order to have created a competitive team in time for the 2012 Olympics. It's a unique plan, and the fact that Smart Gilas are competing in the Filipino PBA league makes it all rather strange, but the intent makes sense.

The initial import player - someone who would receive a Philippines passport as a part of the deal - was initially Jamal Sampson. He left in the summer, and Smart Gilas tabbed C.J. Giles as his replacement, perhaps on account of his surname. However, Giles was released by the team for disciplinary reasons, reasons which (allegedly) include an intense nightlife, unashamed marijuana consumption, an uncooperative attitude and a punch-up with his brother. Giles played in 2 PBA games with the team and totalled 27 minutes, 12 points, 8 rebounds and 6 fouls before his release.

(EDIT - it was actually the other way around. Sampson replaced Giles. Sorry about that.)