Jamal Wesley_Sampson_19-01-12November 21 - Jamal Wesley Sampson (pictured), a 6ft 11in centre who has played with the Milwaukee Bucks, the LA Lakers, the Charlotte Bobcats, the Sacramento Kings and the Denver Nuggets in the NBA, has been chosen by the Philippines to replace C.J. Giles to reinforce their campaign to qualify for the London 2012 Olympics.

Giles is no longer being considered for naturalisation in time for London after he was dropped by the Philippines because of his poor attitude, which officials feared was beginning to affect his team-mates.

They have now turned their attentions to Sampson, a 26-year-old from California who has flown to Manila from China, where he was playing for Fjjian in the Chinese League to try to finalise a deal.

Noli Eala, the executive director of the national governing body Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), said: "It's too early to assess but we're excited with him.

"He's highly recommended."

Sampson scored 142 points in 72 appearances in the NBA and officials hope he will help the Philippines qualify for the Olympics for the first time since the Munich Games in 1972.

Eala said: "He's got good credentials.

"He's more mature and more experienced."


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