I still remember watching CJ Giles during his college days at Kansas, thinking this kid had all the makings of an NBA prospect. Standing at 6'11" with that incredible wingspan and natural shot-blocking instinct, he seemed destined for basketball greatness. His journey from college star to professional basketball player represents one of those fascinating career paths that makes sports so compelling - full of unexpected turns, international adventures, and lessons about perseverance that extend far beyond the court.
When Giles first stepped onto the Allen Fieldhouse floor back in 2005, the buzz around him was palpable. He averaged 6.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game during his sophomore season - solid numbers for a developing big man in the competitive Big 12 conference. But statistics never tell the whole story. What impressed me most was his defensive presence; he recorded 52 blocks in just 25 games that season, showing flashes of the dominant rim protector he could become. Kansas basketball has produced numerous NBA talents over the years, and Giles appeared to be next in line. The professional trajectory seemed straightforward: develop for another year or two, get drafted, and begin an NBA career. But sports careers rarely follow straight lines, and Giles' path would prove particularly winding.
His transfer to Oregon State marked the first unexpected turn. Then came the professional journey that took him across continents - from the NBA D-League to countries like Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and eventually the Philippines. This international odyssey reflects a reality of professional basketball that many fans don't see: for every player who makes the NBA, dozens more build meaningful careers overseas. Giles found particular success in the Middle East, putting up impressive numbers like his 17.8 points and 12.3 rebounds per game during the 2013-2014 season with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. These aren't the glamorous stats that make SportsCenter highlights back in the States, but they represent a legitimate professional career that spanned over a decade.
What strikes me about Giles' journey is how it mirrors the experiences of many professional athletes who don't become household names. The constant adaptation to new cultures, different styles of play, and varying levels of competition requires tremendous mental flexibility. I've spoken with several players who've taken similar international paths, and they often mention the challenge of staying motivated when you're playing in front of smaller crowds thousands of miles from home. Giles managed this transition remarkably well, reinventing himself multiple times to fit different team needs and league requirements.
His time in the Philippine Basketball Association particularly stands out to me. I recall watching one game where his teammate, Poy Erram, made a comment that perfectly captures the mindset required for professional longevity. "Kaso, mali pa yata 'yung pagpilit kong ilaro," Erram said after a tough performance. "Sama ng laro ko eh. Gusto ko lang makatulong para may extra body." Translation: "Maybe I was wrong to force myself to play. My game was bad. I just wanted to help to provide an extra body." This humble, team-first attitude is something I've noticed in many successful journeyman professionals, and I suspect Giles developed a similar perspective throughout his travels.
The financial realities of these international careers often surprise people. While Giles wasn't earning LeBron James money, his reported $15,000-20,000 monthly salary during his peak Middle Eastern seasons placed him comfortably within the upper tier of international professional players. More importantly, he was doing what he loved while experiencing cultures most people only see in documentaries. I've always admired players who embrace these opportunities rather than viewing them as consolation prizes for not making the NBA.
Looking at Giles' career holistically, what impresses me isn't any single statistic or highlight reel, but rather the sustained commitment to his craft across multiple continents and competitive contexts. His journey demonstrates that professional success in basketball isn't binary - it's not simply about making or not making the NBA. True success lies in maximizing your talents wherever the game takes you, adapting to new challenges, and contributing to teams in meaningful ways. From my perspective, Giles' decade-long professional career, though different from what we might have predicted during his Kansas days, represents its own version of basketball achievement - one defined by resilience, adaptability, and a genuine love for the game that transcended borders and expectations.