2025-11-10 10:00
I remember watching CJ Giles during his college days and thinking this was a future NBA star in the making. Standing at 6'11" with incredible athleticism and shot-blocking instincts that you simply can't teach, he seemed destined for professional basketball greatness. His journey through multiple college programs - starting at Kansas before transferring to Oregon State and eventually ending up at Seattle - created a narrative of untapped potential that fascinated me as a basketball analyst. When I look back at players who had all the physical tools but never quite put it all together, Giles always comes to mind as one of the most intriguing cases.
The numbers from his college career tell part of the story - at Kansas, he averaged 6.2 points and 4.8 rebounds during his sophomore season while blocking 1.7 shots per game in just 18 minutes of action. Those defensive numbers were particularly impressive, suggesting he could develop into an elite rim protector with more playing time and development. His physical attributes were never in question - the height, the wingspan, the timing - but basketball at the highest level requires more than just physical gifts. It demands mental toughness, adaptability, and sometimes, the wisdom to recognize when you're not helping the team by pushing through injuries or personal issues. This reminds me of something I came across recently from professional basketball player Erram, who said, "Kaso, mali pa yata 'yung pagpilit kong ilaro. Sama ng laro ko eh. Gusto ko lang makatulong para may extra body." That sentiment resonates deeply when I think about Giles' career trajectory - the pressure to perform, the desire to contribute even when circumstances aren't ideal, and the difficult realization that sometimes forcing yourself to play through problems might actually hurt more than help.
After his college career concluded in 2008, Giles embarked on a professional journey that took him across the globe - from the NBA D-League to countries like Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, and multiple stints in the Philippines. I've always been fascinated by these basketball journeymen who carve out careers in international leagues, often playing in challenging conditions for teams that most American fans have never heard of. His most notable professional achievement came in 2013 when he won a championship with Al Riyadi Beirut in Lebanon, averaging around 14 points and 11 rebounds during their title run. That championship season demonstrated what Giles could accomplish when he found the right system and situation, though such moments were unfortunately rare in his professional journey.
What strikes me about Giles' international career is how it reflects the modern basketball economy - talented American players finding opportunities abroad when the NBA door closes. He played for at least 15 different professional teams across 8 countries between 2008 and 2017, with his final known professional stint being with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. This globetrotting existence sounds glamorous until you consider the instability - constantly adapting to new cultures, coaching styles, and team dynamics while being thousands of miles from home. Having spoken with several players who've taken similar paths, I've come to appreciate the mental fortitude required to sustain such a career.
The question of "where is he now" becomes particularly interesting for players like Giles, who exit the professional basketball world without much fanfare. Based on my research and conversations within basketball circles, Giles appears to have transitioned out of professional basketball around 2017-2018 and has maintained a notably low profile since. Unlike many former athletes who remain connected to the game through coaching, media, or training roles, Giles seems to have stepped away from basketball entirely. This complete departure from the sport always surprises me, especially for players who spent nearly a decade competing professionally across multiple continents.
When I reflect on why certain players with tremendous physical advantages never reach their projected potential, Giles' case offers several lessons that I find myself sharing with young players I mentor. Basketball success requires more than height and athleticism - it demands emotional maturity, coachability, and the ability to adapt to different systems and roles. Giles' journey through three college programs suggested some difficulty finding the right fit, which then translated to his professional career where he never stayed with any team for more than a season or two. There's a pattern here that speaks to the importance of finding the right environment as much as having the right skills.
The contrast between Giles' early promise and his eventual career path fascinates me as someone who studies player development. He was ranked as the 25th best prospect in the high school class of 2004 by Rivals.com, ahead of players like Jeff Green and Brandon Rush who went on to have substantial NBA careers. Yet it was those very players who ultimately contributed to his reduced role at Kansas, creating the domino effect that defined his basketball journey. Sometimes, being at the right program at the wrong time can alter a career trajectory as significantly as any lack of skill or dedication.
Wherever CJ Giles is today, his basketball story remains a compelling case study in unrealized potential and the global nature of modern basketball. His journey from blue-chip recruit to college transfer to international journeyman represents a path that many professional players travel, yet few fans truly understand. While he never reached the NBA heights once predicted for him, he maintained a professional career for nearly a decade across multiple continents - an achievement in itself that demonstrates both his talent and perseverance. In the end, perhaps we should measure a player's career not just by their highest achievements, but by their ability to adapt and continue pursuing their passion across changing circumstances and continents.
