Game on Saturday
(Gingoong City, Misamis Oriental)
5 p.m. — Rain or Shine vs Burger King

Games on Sunday (Araneta Coliseum)
4 p.m. — Alaska vs Ginebra
6:30 p.m. — Talk ’N Text vs Sta. Lucia

Smart-Gilas’ American import CJ Giles, a candidate for naturalization, was allowed on Friday by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) to assess his situation after his three-year-old son, Jaden, was diagnosed with a heart ailment.

This was disclosed by SBP executive director Noli Eala, who together with Gilas’ Serbian head coach Rajko Toroman, have decided to give the 6-foot-10 Giles a break until he figures out his future plans.

“Coach Rajko and I have spoken to CJ to really assess his situation and find out if the SBP can be of help,” Eala said in a text message. “He is going through a difficult moment as his son’s condition is uncertain at this time.”

According to Eala, Giles’ son, whom he brought with him when he arrived last month, has been diagnosed with a blood clot in the lower body.

Giles was signed to a one-year contract by the SBP approximately worth P8.64 million.

The Gilas team, basically the national team, is playing as guest squad in the PBA Philippine Cup as part of its preparation for various international tournaments.

In the Nationals’ 70-103 loss to defending all-Filipino champion Talk ’N Text last Friday, Giles played only five minutes.

The national team also lost its initial game to Burger King, 105-115.

Eala said that the association, headed by its president Manny Pangilinan, is supporting the former LA Lakers draftee, saying: “His playing status with Gilas will be decided on a day-to-day basis. Smart-Gilas is behind CJ in these difficult times.”