SBP takes long route to tap Giles

MANILA, Philippines – The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas yesterday said it is willing to go to the long and tedious process of naturalizing American CJ Giles in time for the 2011 FIBA-Asia Championships.

The course of action will be through the Congress, according to SBP executive director Noli Eala, adding the SBP would need someone to sponsor the naturalization of the 6-11 Giles and then get the nod of the majority, which would take about a year.

“Before, a presidential decree would be the fastest way,” said Eala referring to the Northern Consolidated days when a host of foreign players were naturalized to beef up the RP team roster.

“In our case, we need to do it through the Congressional route and the SBP is willing to undergo the process,” said Eala.

This came about after Lebanon naturalized American Jackson Vroman, a 6-10 power forward who suited up for the Phoenix Suns and the New Orleans Hornets in the NBA and the team of Mahram of Iran that topped the FIBA-Asia Champions Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The Lebanese had initially wanted the high-leaping Giles, who powered Smart Gilas to a fifth place finish in the import-laced Jakarta joust, but ended up tapping the power-playing Vroman.

Iran and Jordan are also interested in acquiring the 23-year-old Giles as a naturalized player.

Under FIBA rules, each country is allowed one naturalized player.

“He listens to coach Rajko (Toroman) and he has a good attitude and a big fighting heart, that’s the important factors we’re looking for,” said Eala. “Of course, he has that skills and defense that would be vital to our campaign.”

The RP team is composed of the country’s top collegiate players skippered by former Ateneo hotshot Chris Tiu with Far Eastern U standout Mark Barroca as co-captain.

Smart Gilas is seeking to contend for the 2011 FIBA-Asia crown in a bid to clinch a berth in the 2012 London Olympics.