Fate has a way of bringing people together.
That was certainly the case for Chris McCullough and Roger Pogoy.
It has been seven years since the infamous “belat” incident, when Pogoy taunted McCullough after a defensive stop during their heated Game 1 battle in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
Pogoy later apologized for the gesture, while McCullough ultimately had the last laugh as San Miguel defeated TNT in six games to capture the title.
Now, the two find themselves on the same side, wearing TNT colors after McCullough was brought in to replace Bol Bol.
Despite the passage of time, the incident remains a popular topic among fans.
“What happened seven years ago, happened seven years ago. I don’t pay no mind, but we talked about it in the past,” said McCullough during the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals press conference at Novotel Manila Araneta Center.
“I saw tweets about it but we good.”
Clearly, the issue is long behind them.
“We friends, man,” said McCullough.
“Okay naman, okay naman,” Pogoy replied with a sheepish laugh.
Now focused on the present, McCullough is working on building chemistry with TNT as the Tropang 5G attempt to become the first No. 8 seed to win a PBA championship.
Standing in their way, however, is the powerhouse Barangay Ginebra squad.
“We’re taking it one game at a time, one practice at a time, still adjusting to my teammates and learn how everybody plays and they’re learning how I play also,” said McCullough, with Game 1 of the Finals set to be only his fourth appearance in a PBA jersey.
“Just as I said, taking it one game at a time, working with things that work during practice.”
A championship would be especially meaningful for McCullough—not only because of TNT’s historic bid, but also because he would get to celebrate it alongside Pogoy, a former rival who has since become a friend.
