Chris McCullough guaranteed that he’s going to get better after a rusty debut for TNT in their eventual defeat to Meralco in Game 4 of their PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup best-of-7 semifinal battle on Wednesday night.
The comebacking import admitted that he’s still trying to regain his old form, since this was his first time playing competitively in nearly half a month.
He last played for the Taoyuan Taiwan Beer Leopards in the 2026 TPBL semifinals last May 15, in which they bowed to the New Taipei Kings.
“I haven’t played basketball in 13 days — this is my first time picking up a basketball in 13 days,” he said moments after their 101-90 loss at the SMART Araneta Coliseum that evened their series at two games apiece.
“So I’m still getting my rhythm, still getting my flow. But once I get going, it will be scary,” added the former San Miguel Beer reinforcement.
(C) PBA Images
In his first game back in the PBA, McCullough did finish with decent numbers of 24 points and nine rebounds, but shot just 7-of-22 from the field.
He also missed all of his five attempts from three-point distance, although he went a solid 10-of-15 from the line in the 36 minutes he played.
The 31-year-old forward’s numbers may be par below his standards, but he was still helpful for TNT, especially in the second half. There, he produced 17 of his points to contribute to their comeback attempt.
The Bolts simply had more fuel left entering the homestretch, with CJ Cansino, Javee Mocon, and Cliff Hodge joining hands to close it out.
With Game 5 in less than 48 hours, McCullough only has his sights set on bouncing back — but not before polishing some things with his new team.
“Chemistry is regular. I know some of the guys,” the former NBA cager said, as he’s now teammates with a few players that he and the loaded Beermen beat on the way to ruling the Commissioner’s Cup back in 2019.
“I’ve only had two days of practice, so tomorrow, we’re gonna work on some things, see what works, and come back Friday.”
