CJ Giles has signed a one-year contract to play for the Smart Gilas Philippine team that will give him a salary of about P720,000 a month to be provided by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

After coaching CJ Giles in an international tournament few months back, Serbian Rajko Toroman knew then that the one-time player of the Los Angeles Lakers is tailor-made for the Smart-Gilas national team developmental team.

“He’s coachable, he understands the game, he’s willing to sacrifice, and he’s a hard working player,” Toroman said.

According to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Noli Eala, though there were several candidates for naturalization to be part of the Gilas squad, the 23-year-old Giles was Toroman’s priority.

In his initial stint with Gilas, he reinforced the team during the FIBA-Asia Champions Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Last week, the SBP and Giles finalized a one-year deal for the former Oregon State University stalwart to play for the country as naturalized player. His naturalization paper, according to Eala, is now being processed at the House of Representatives with the help of Rep. Robbie Puno.

Giles’ contract with Smart-Gilas, which was also signed by SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan, has an option to extend for another year depending on his performance in next year’s Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

His salary is similar to PBA imports approximately $15,000 a month (roughly P720,00). Eala said that the 6-foot-10 Giles had already received an initial payment. He’s expected to arrive September 1.

Eala said that in the FIBA constitution and by-laws, a foreign player must be naturalized two months before the competition sanctioned by the world-governing body for basketball, including the Asian Games.

The 16th edition of the Asian Games is set November 11 to 27, 2010.

FIBA allows just one naturalized player per nation. So far, other countries have exercised that privilege, including Jordan with American guard Rasheim Wright. The SBP is planning to have another naturalized player in case Giles gets injured.

“But we’re hoping that he’ll be healthy because he’s the player we want. Coach Toroman likes his attitude,” Eala said.

Giles is expected to suit up anew for Smart-Gilas in the 35th PBA Season beginning October 11 where the national team will play as guest team as part of their preparation for the Asian Games, as well as the 2011 FIBA-Asia Championship, the qualifying event for the 2012 London Olympics.

“We’re very thankful to the PBA for this opportunity,” Eala, a former PBA commissioner said. “It’s a great chance for Gilas to show how they are improving.

It’s a good exposure for the players and we’ll definitely make the most for this competition.”