Veteran NBA player picked to replace Giles

MANILA, Philippines - Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has chosen Jamal Wesley Sampson to replace C.J. Giles as new prospect for naturalization to reinforce Smart Gilas in its ambitious bid to make the London Olympics in 2012.

Sampson, a 6-foot-11 center-forward who has played with the Milwaukee Bucks, the LA Lakers, the Charlotte Bobcats, the Sacramento Kings and the Denver Nuggets in the NBA, arrived Friday night and immediately had a one-on-one session with coach Rajko Toroman at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center yesterday.

SBP executive director Noli Eala said they’ve got a provisional agreement with Sampson, allowing him to play with Smart Gilas in its four remaining games as guest team of the ongoing PBA all-Filipino tourney.

Sampson, who played for University of California-Berkeley after an outstanding high school career in which he earned third team Parade All-America honors, was chosen over Earl Barron and Shawn Pruitt among other available legitimate NBA talents.

He was in China for six days and was set to play for the Fujian team in the Chinese league when he got the offer to play for Smart Gilas. He flew to Manila Friday night straight from China.

“It’s too early to assess but we’re excited with him. He’s highly recommended. He’s got good credentials. He’s more mature and more experienced,” said Eala.

“Coach Rajko is impressed. He thinks Jamal is a good potential,” added Eala of their new naturalization prospect who is a cousin of 1983 NBA No. 1 draft selection Ralph Sampson.

The younger Sampson, 26, was picked by the Utah Jazz 47th overall in the 2002 NBA draft then was traded along with Ryan Humphrey to the Orlando Magic for Custis Borchardt. The Magic then traded him to Milwaukee for Rashard Griffith.

Sampson was considered among the top collegiate prospects after leading Mater Dei to the California state championship in 2001. He averaged 15.5 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.5 blocks as a senior.

Sampson is said to be an athletic player who runs the court well for a person his size, finishes well around the basket and has the ability to affect opposing teams with his shot-blocking skills.