Serbian coach Rajko Toroman, the architect of Iran’s emergence to become the new Asian powerhouse, certainly has an eye for talent. Without batting an eyelash, the Smart-Gilas mentor would pick Jamal Sampson over a CJ Giles anytime, anywhere.
For Toroman, who led the Iranian men’s basketball team to it’s first-ever FIBA Asia Championship crown two years ago, Sampson is indeed the perfect choice for the Smart-Gilas five.
“He is a better defender and rebounder," Toroman told GMANews.TV while scouting Purefoods’s game against Ginebra Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum. “CJ relies by blocking shots while Jamal knows how to use his body and is a better on ball defender. He’s a legit NBA player and has high basketball IQ."
Sampson came from a family with rich basketball background. His cousin, Ralph, the 1983 NBA Draft’s overall top pick, teamed up with Hakeem Olajuwon in forming the Houston Rockets’ twin tower combo during the 80s.
The younger Sampson was selected 47th overall in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz and was traded along with Ryan Humphrey for Curtis Borchardth. He played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Bobcats, Sacramento Kings and saw action for 22 games with the Denver Nuggets.
“At one time, he led the NBA in rebounds average per minute. I believe he will be a perfect fit for our team," added Toroman, whose wards will play against tough Middle Eastern teams in Dubai in January next year.
Sampson signed a two-year contract with Smart-Gilas over the weekend and will start playing for the national team aspirants in the PBA starting Friday.
Another player, Fil-Am Chris Lutz of Marshall University, is expected to join the national developmental pool, this March.
“We need him on the team as we want a player who is good defending perimeter players. Lutz will bring a lot of energy on our team," said Toroman on the 6foot-3 guard.
Lutz attended the national team’s camp early this year and has shown a lot of upside in his game.
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