Is Sampson the real thing?

MANILA, Philippines - NBA veteran Jamal Sampson said yesterday he’s in the final stages of negotiating a contract with Smart-Gilas but until his signature appears on the dotted line, there’s no certainty that the 6-11 center will suit up as a naturalization candidate for coach Rajko Toroman’s national squad.

Sampson is optimistic the details will be ironed out sooner than later.

Last Friday, he sat behind the Gilas bench as the so-called “team of the future” upset San Miguel Beer, 109-96, in the no-bearing opener of a PBA Philippine Cup triplebill at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

“Jamal is a great addition,” said SBP executive director Noli Eala. “Now, we’re seeing the real game of Gilas. No more distractions, no more issues, no more excuses. You should see Jamal at practice. Hope we can sign him up soon.”

Since a 0-3 start in the PBA, Gilas has won three of its last four and the only loss was a one-point heartbreaker to Sta. Lucia Realty. Toroman said it’s not because the PBA teams are easing up in the no-bearing games.

“I think they’re out to win just as we are,” said Toroman. “I don’t know if they’ll admit it. But Sta. Lucia didn’t want to lose and got a little help from somewhere to beat us by a point.”

Toroman said there’s still a lot of work to do “but the most important thing is the players respect our system.” He described Sampson as a legitimate position-five player and “we need a good rebounder.”

After C. J. Giles was cut for dysfunctional behavior on and off the court two weeks ago, Eala recruited Sampson as a replacement. Sampson arrived in Manila last Nov. 20 and has practiced with Gilas but not played against other teams in scrimmages.

Sampson, 26, was in Fujian province, ready to sign to play in the Chinese league when NBA agent Chris Emens of Octagon Sports broached the possibility of moving to the Philippines. Octagon is a management agency based in Virginia and represents NBA cagers Chris Paul, Kirk Hinrich, David West, Rudy Gay and Wes Matthews, Jr. among others.

“I was in China five or six days when I got a call,” said Sampson, a first cousin of former NBA star Ralph Sampson. “I’d heard about the Philippines from guys like Chris Porter and Adam Parada. I’ve only heard good things about the Philippines so I came over.”

Sampson arrived here with former NBA star Josh Childress’ brother Chris who played at Colorado State University-Pueblo and the NBA D-League alongside former Ginebra import Chris Alexander. Childress, a 6-6 swingman, said he’ll hang out with Sampson in Manila and explore options in the PBA Fiesta Conference.

Eala said there were other candidates in a long list, including former PBA import Earl Barron, Shaun Pruitt and Hiram Fuller, but he chose Sampson because of Emens’ recommendation.

“We’ve developed a good relationship with Emens who also represents Giles,” said Eala. “Emens didn’t hold us to our guaranteed contract with Giles because of what happened. He understood our position and why we let Giles go. We think Jamal is right for our team. He’s a mature player, decent, the quiet type with no baggage. He’s single, he has no children, he works hard. The night he flew in, we brought him to Araneta to watch a PBA game and the next morning, he worked out one-on-one with coach Rajko.”

Eala said Sampson is close to signing a deal.

“We’re still working on some points in his contract,” said Eala. “I’ve watched him at practice and he’s good. Coach Rajko thinks he’s the one we need because he’s a pure center.”

In the gym, Sampson has followed Toroman’s instructions to the letter. Eala said Toroman is more than impressed. “He’s done everything he’s been asked to do,” added Eala. “No one gets a layup when he’s defending the basket. Once, he took off from the foul line to dunk. He’s unbelievable. He does so many things on the floor, both offensively and defensively. (Former PBA coaching consultant and Toronto Raptors director of player personnel) Jim Kelly thinks he’s what we need to go to the next level. If he wants to play, there’s nothing he can’t do. The thing is to motivate him.”

Sampson said he’s excited to play as a naturalized import.

“I know a lot of my teammates are just fresh out of college but I’m learning from them as much as I hope they’re learning from me,” he said. “There are lots of Americans playing for different countries all over the world. It’s not a new thing. I like it in the Philippines. I’m getting used to the humidity. I don’t think I’ve sweated as much playing in all my life. I’m still working myself to shape but I’m getting there.”

Sampson said he realizes in Gilas, there won’t be a naturalized backup and he’ll be all alone in the middle.

“Yeah, I know that,” he said. “I like the pressure. I’m used to it.”

In three years playing for Mater Dei high school in Santa Ana, California, Sampson battled the likes of Tyson Chandler, Channing Frye, DeSagana Diop, Kwame Brown and Jason Kapono and acquitted himself. In 2000-01, Sampson led Mater Dei to a 33-2 record and the California state title.

Mater Dei has produced the likes of Reggie Geary, LeRon Ellis, Miles Simon and Cedric Bozeman who all went on to play in the NBA. Another graduate is former PBA star Vince Hizon.