Sampson impresses Toroman

source: June Navarro | inquirer.net

Jamal Sampson went through a three-hour workout with the Smart Gilas Pilipinas national team and Serbian coach Rajko Toroman liked what he saw.

The 6-foot-11 former NBA journeyman will now undergo a series of medical tests as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas expressed interest in signing him up as a naturalized player for the national team.

“He is a legitimate NBA veteran who coach Rajko describes as a pure center,” said SBP executive director Noli Eala. “He’s simple but a very good defensive player with excellent post moves, exactly what we need.”

Though not the flashy type, Eala said the 245-pound Sampson is bigger, stronger and more seasoned than the 6-foot-11 CJ Giles, whom the SBP released last week due to erratic behavior and injuries.

During the Gilas practice, Sampson dominated the paint and swatted every shot the 6-foot-11 Greg Slaughter tried to make.